Oregairu Volume 14

“...”
Unexpectedly, she really did.
The angled rays of the sun that poured through the skylights combined with the indirect lighting
on the walls to produce a warming light that enveloped the kitchen. It was a picturesque scenery
imbued with euphoria that you could see on a catalog. Because of that, a ridiculous fantasy flashed
through my mind.

As if to shake the thought out of my head, I quickly added, “Yeah, yeah, you look good. I look
pretty good too, right?” I said, patting the sarong apron at my waist.

Yuigahama raised her brow and frowned. “Hmm... sure, I guess.”
“Um, what's with the pause?”

“Huh? Oh, I mean, you look like a store clerk in a way, but the apron looks...” Yuigahama distorted
her face and quickly spat out. “Smelly.”

“Harsh much? And I don't just mean me. This belongs to your dad, doesn't it?”
“It does, so...”

“Don't worry, it's been cleaned!” GahaMama giggled. “Let's get started, shall we?”
“Yeah!” Yuigahama said, pumping her fist.

“Y-Yeah...” I lifted my hand like that of a beckoning cat. How embarrassing...
All of our ingredients were laid out on top of the kitchen tabletop. The main ones included the
tart crusts, canned peaches and the fresh cream. The miscellaneous ones included chocolate toppings,
various fruits, and other sundry items for customization.

Once we got started, the recommended fruit tarts recipe turned out to be easier than I initially
thought. GahaMama must've taken into account my inexperience and chose accordingly.

I covered the tart crust with a thin cut layer of frozen sponge cake, coated it with fresh cream and
decorated the top with peaches. For the finishing touches, I applied a nappage, which was some kind of
gelatin substance like PePee Lotion, and a glaze. Apparently, peaches would change colors in reaction to
the air, so the use of nappage would help them retain their pretty colors.

Everything went smoothly, something I hadn't expected at the beginning.
“Seeing that we have all of these ingredients, let's try some variations.”

GahaMama peeked in from behind to see my progress, and as she suggested, I proceeded to make
several more. However, when things were too easy, it was human nature to go the extra mile. And so, a
light bulb went off in Gahama-san's head.

“Oh! I get the feeling this will be super tasty if you coat this with chocolate.” She clapped her
hands, as if she had made a breakthrough.

Seeing her break the chocolate bars left me apprehensive, and I just had to interject.

“Why are you like this? Can't you just make things normally?”
“Huh? I mean... wouldn't it look cuter and taste better?”

As she was speaking, she jammed the broken chocolate into the mountain of fruits on her tart.
The white peaches wobbled before collapsing into an ominous mess, far from what you could call cute.
The combination she sought was an unfortunate harmony of dissonance, destined to never be a match
made in heaven.

“You can start improvising after you have the basics down.”
“That's what Yukinon always says...”

My expression stiffened when she suddenly brought up her name.
“Yeah, I imagine... It's common sense,” I said, somehow managing to maintain my composure.

It didn't seem to bother Yuigahama, however, as she continued to hum and break up the chocolate.
“Last time when I stayed over at her place, we cooked together. If you mix delicious things together, it
should come out just as delicious, right?”

“You need to get rid of that mindset this instant...”

“Huh? Really...?”
Cola and hamburg steaks were both good individually, but if you tried frying the steak with cola,
it's definitely going to turn out disgusting... There's a process to these things, you know...
I was at a loss for words and my mouth was agape in shock. Yuigahama took the opportunity to

50

throw pieces of chocolate into my mouth along with peaches from a fork.

Somehow, I was going “ahh” without thinking. N-No, your mom's watching... I didn't have the
chance to even feel embarrassed as I chewed away and wiped the syrup at my mouth with my fingers.

“See, delicious, right?'

“Look here, missy...”

I glared at her with half-closed eyes. It's not like I was unhappy or anything, but I really could use
an advance notice for these things. That way, I could prepare my heart, or even prepare some excuses
to refuse... Before I could think of continuing my words, my mouth was visited by a feeling of
discomfort.

The refreshing taste of the peaches and the fragrance of the chocolate was... hmm... a
mismatch...

“This is where you should be tasting your own stuff, okay?” It wasn't totally inedible, so I was able
to swallow it whole, but I gave Yuigahama some extremely reserved criticism.

Yuigahama, however, didn't seem to catch my meaning and tilted her head. “Huh? I thought for
sure it'd taste good.”

She took a moment to try the combination herself, and a few seconds later, a sour look showed on
her face. She nodded and stayed silent. I told you, it was a total mismatch! I was relieved that her taste
buds were still functional, but her thought process on the other hand...

GahaMama, who had been watching from the side, placed her hand to her mouth and giggled. “If
you want to use chocolate, then it might be better to use it this way.”

She immediately began a demonstration. She took a palm-sized portion from the remaining tart
crust, covered it with chocolate, and decorated it with fruit. In a flash, she had completed a mini-sized
fruit tarts.

She took the tart and slowly carried it to my mouth. “Say 'ahh'.”

“Th-Thank you very much, but I can eat it myself.”

Nothingness. I entered a state of nothingness. In spite of the sweat from my armpits, and the
sweat forming on my scalp, I did my best to maintain my composure. I carefully took the tart without
making contact with her fingers.

“Grr...”

GahaMama's lips curved into a sulky and adorable pout. Hahaha, I, Hikigaya Hachiman, could
suppress my emotions as long I was given prior notice, hahaha, still, she sure was cute, hahaha. The
unknown cuteness assaulted me, but I somehow managed to repel it and focus on the taste of the tart.

“It's good, it's really good...”

Unlike the mess of a flavor that resembled a treasure island murder case20, the mini tart was
crunchy in texture and had a fruity peach flavor that was accented by the chocolate. It felt like I could
hear the sounds of the wind...

When I blurted out my impression, GahaMama made a broad smile and rubbed her chest in relief.
“Great! Okay, Yui, say 'ahh'.”

“Ahh.”

Though busy, Yuigahama immediately ate the tart that her mom carried to her mouth. I gave them
a fuzzy look, wondering if this was what they always did at home. When Yuigahama noticed, she was
brought back to reality and began shaking her hands in a frantic, blushing from ear to ear. Since her
mouth was occupied, she couldn't utter a word, but her gestures were obviously telling of her denial.

It's okay, it's okay, that's nice, there's nothing wrong with that, I nodded back having been witness
to the peaceful and heartwarming sight of being fed. Yuigahama still didn't seem particularly enthused
about my reaction as she chewed, but then her eyes glittered with surprise.

“Oh, it really is good.”

“For chocolate, you should use it as filling for the tart instead of applying it as a layer. That way,
you can keep it crunchy and make it taste even better.”

“Ohhh, that makes sense.”

Yuigahama then quickly proceeded to spread chocolate over a tart crust. Seeing her in action left

20 Kindaichi Case Files

51

me impressed. Tell, show, let one do it, and offer praise; if not, people would not act...21 I was able to
observe with my very own eyes just how exactly a person was raised.

“Ohh... you really are an expert...” I muttered.
GahaMama puffed her chest with a chuckle. “Right? I'm really confident in my cooking, just so you
know!”
No, I actually meant in regards to your daughter, but... okay, it didn't matter either way! Her
jubilated smile was super cute, after all!
“There isn't a designated way to make a fruit tarts, so you can just add whatever you like. You
might even come across some combinations that end up very tasty.”
“Is that how it works?”
“It sure is!” GahaMama said, smiling.
I could understand where she was coming from, but I still felt that should only be done by people
who had a grasp on the fundamentals of cooking, people who could actually bring the flavors in their
minds to life...
While I was talking with GahaMama, my mind was occupied with Yuigahama, who I could see from
the corner of my eye, improvising on her tart. Just what in the world was she putting in there...?
“Mom, how's this?'
“Mmhmm, that looks great. Just add a secret ingredient, and you're all done.”
“Secret ingredient?”
“Right, it's the best seasoning you can add,” GahaMama said, and then whispered into Yuigahama's
ear.
Yuigahama turned red afterwards. “God! If you're going to say that stuff, go over there!”
“Aww!”
Yuigahama angrily pushed her towards me. Since her daughter refused to entertain her, she shifted
her attention to me.
“Hey, Hikki-kun, what do you think it is?”
“Hmm, what could it be? Haha, hunger, maybe?”
I acted like I was busy with squeezing out the fresh cream and gave a stock answer, pretending to
listen to the conversation, but GahaMama's smile had stopped time. Crap, this was one of those quests
in Dragon Quest that wouldn't progress unless you gave the desired answer.
“How about... a meal someone paid for... that's delicious,” I said, carefully.
GahaMama placed her hand to her cheek, and had an odd smile. Yuigahama, in contrast, was
completely perturbed.
“Hikki, you're getting kind of worse...”
“Well, it is delicious, though.”
“Don't enable him, mom!”
Remonstrated by her daughter, GahaMama coughed. “I'd like to hear an answer in terms of home
cooking.”
The best kind of seasoning to make your cooking delicious was obviously an empty stomach, free
food, or some munchies when you're smoking (opinions vary). Personally, garlic, lard, or Ajinomoto salt
would make a majority of things delicious. But I suppose those didn't apply to making sweets. The
answer she sought was as clear as day.
“Sincerity... I suppose,” I said, feeling a little embarrassed.
GahaMama affirmed my answer with a smile.

XXX

“Let's wait for the tarts to get cold,” said GahaMama, closing the refrigerator.
Nappage, or Banagher, whatever it was, we had to refrigerate the fruit tarts so they could
harden. Well, in general, fruits tasted better when refrigerated.

21 A twist on one of Admira Yamamto Isoroku's quotes.

52

Once we finished with the preparations, I removed my apron and headed for the living room. The
recipe wasn't particularly difficult, but it did leave me feeling exhausted. That being said, I felt a sense
of satisfaction despite being unfamiliar with the process.

In hopes of resting for the rest of the day, I made staggering steps to the sofa, and there, I felt my
sleeve get pulled on. I turned to see Yuigahama with Sablé in her arms pulling at my shirt.

“Um, over here...” she whispered, squeezing Sablé to hide her voice. She then pulled me in the
direction of where to go.

“R-Right... oh, we'll be away for a bit.” I bowed to GahaMama and was pulled away from the living
room.

“Okay, take your time. I'll let you know when the tarts are done.” Her bell-like laughter called to
us from behind, and I quickly followed Yuigahama. The destination was her room.

She urged me to sit on a cushion while she sat on her bed with Sablé on her lap.

“Um... so, what should we do in the meantime?” she asked awkwardly.

Her question brought back memories of the time she asked me during the fireworks festival. That
caused me to blurt out a similarly, nonsensical answer.

“Well... what should we do? Go home for now?”

“No, we won't! I'm already home, anyway! And this is my room!” Yuigahama barked, as did Sablé.

“Hey, it's not like there's anything better to do.”

“Ahh, right, I guess... wanna look at my school yearbook?” Yuigahama stretched over to the shelf
next to her bed and pulled out a velvet-colored album.

“What are we going to do with that...? The only thing I can think of is who can give the best
nicknames to the ugliest people.”

“We're not gonna do that! You're the worst! The worst!” she repeated with a quiet voice.

Having to hear that multiple times was starting to hurt.

“Look, that's how guys are. According to what I've heard, they also use it as a catalog of the sorts
to try to introduce the girls to each other. It's like a matching app.”

“That's terrible, too!”

I recited my insufficient knowledge, something I acquired from eavesdropping on Tobe in class,
and Yuigahama clamped her teeth.

“Did you do stuff like that too, Hikki? Asking to be introduced to somebody, or whatever...”

“For me, I needed someone to introduce me to someone who would introduce someone to me.”

“Ah, right, I can see that...”

Thanks for the understanding.

“Oh, I wouldn't mind seeing what you looked like in middle school, though.”

“Forget it, that's too embarrassing. We're done with this.” Yuigahama let go of Sablé and slid the
album back into the shelf.

That's a shame... I shrugged, and then Sablé tackled me. “Whoa, what's up?”

I received his tackle and he came huffing and panting at me. As I brushed him, his fur started to
stick all over my clothes. He was apparently in his seasonal shedding period, which made sense why he
wasn't allowed into the kitchen...

Yuigahama yelped when she saw me covered in fur. “Oh, shoot! Sorry! Sablé, come over here!”

“It's fine, I'm used to it because of my cat. Give me a brush.”

“S-Sure...”

I took the brush from her, crossed my legs, rested Sablé on my knee, and began to brush his spine.
Sablé calmed down and began to pant in comfort. As I focused on brushing, Yuigahama sat down beside
me and watched in interest.

“Wow, you really are used to it.”

“It happens when you own a pet. I've come to the point that finding fur in my miso soup doesn't
bother me anymore.”

“That's not something to feel good about...” Yuigahama dropped her shoulders. Then, she
suddenly rose up with something in mind, walked to her closet and back. She sat beside me again and

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presented, “Ta-dah, here, use this.”
What she gave me was a sticky tape roller, one used for carpet cleaning. For households that

owned a pet, or a family with an old man reaching his peak age, it was an essential tool. They all shed a
lot, after all... and their pillows were stinky.

Rollers were particularly useful for cleaning, but they were extremely convenient for fur on
clothes.

“Thanks, I'll use it later.”
“I'll do it for you.” Yuigahama removed the bar fastener and began to roll the roller against my
shoulder and back.
“I'm good, I'm good, stop, it tickles.”
I struggled, trying to avoid her, but this caused her to wear a wicked grin and become more
aggressive. The more I tried to get away, the more it stimulated her sadism. She was having a fun time
with me in pursuit.
“Take that. And that.”
She started aiming for areas I wasn't expecting. It was ticklish, embarrassing, soft, smelt good,
and whatever; I couldn't handle it. But if I struggled too much, that could've led to unforeseen skin
contact, so struggling added stress to my nerves, in particular, my sympathetic nerves, so I was sweating
obscenely.
“Um? Can you stop? I'm more of a banger than a roller. Agh! Ah, n-no, no...”
N-Noooo! I was just about to let out a horrific scream, as if the standard average dropped seven
trillion points, until there was a sudden knock on the door.
Yuigahama immediately stopped and took some distance.
“Yui, can I come in?”
“Sure.”
She spat out a response to her mom's gentle voice. Her voice was reserved compared to moments
ago, and she acted like nothing had happened. On the other hand, I was hugging Sablé and looked like a
dangerous, panting kemona man.
After I managed to calm my breathing, GahaMama pushed the door open slightly and looked down.
“Hey, Hikki-kun, are you staying for dinner?”
“Um, I was planning to leave before it got too late...”
I didn't want to impose on them any further. A good man knew when to make his exit.
“Really?” GahaMama looked disappointed. But within the next instant, her face glowed. “But too
bad, I already made dinner!”
She stuck out her tongue and winked (sideways peace sign).
Unlike Yukinoshita's mom, she brought peace to my heart... then again, she was just as much as a
schemer as she was!

XXX

The night breeze was pleasant as it brushed against my flushed cheeks.
After having dinner at Yuigahama's home, I took my leave. The city was blanketed with the shades
of night on my way out. Our exercise in making sweets ended without issue, and I now had a box of fruit
tarts. I carefully walked along the street to avoid shaking the box.
Yuigahama, who came along to see me off for the day, looked at me with concern. “Hikki, didn't
you eat a little too much? You okay?”
“Yeah, it wasn't that much...”
The feeling of fullness would visit me as I talked. The dinner I had with Yuigahama and her mom
was really delicious, but I was nervous from start to end because I wasn't sure when GahaPapa would
appear. Because of that, I was restless, responded only when spoken to, and could only stuff my mouth
with rice like in the folk tales of Japan.
...I couldn't help it, the more I ate, the happier it made GahaMama.

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Every time my cheeks were stuffed with rice, she'd make an expression saying, “Now, that's a boy's
appetite!” and I couldn't stop myself from asking for refills. The result: I ate too much. Just walking had
me scowling from the bloating.

Yuigahama apologetically clapped her hands. “Sorry, my mom got too excited. I guess seeing a guy
eat a lot makes her really happy.”

“That's just how moms are... whenever we visit our grandparents, my dad and I get stuffed with
food. We pretty much become Stamina-Taros.”

“That much!?” Yuigahama made a sick look.
I nodded in emphasis. But I didn't hate it. The food grandma made and Stamina-Taro meat were
really good! I love you Stamina-Taro! I loved him so much I could crush a magnifying glass with my butt.
We made our way towards the station while engaging in idle chatter. Yuigahama walked alongside
me and spoke in a small voice. “Thanks for today.”
“That's my line.”
“Right, but I had fun... When we're making things together, it's really fun.”
“It'd probably be more efficient alone, though.” I mistakenly let out a spiteful comment, and
Yuigahama fumed with the puff of her cheeks. I made a sarcastic chuckle. “But once we got started, it
didn't feel like work or anything. So, yeah, doing things together was pretty fun.”
“Yep, I think so, too.” Yuigahama smiled.
I nodded again, and carefully switched my holding arm while checking the content of the box.
Then, I slowly continued. “I think Komachi might be happier that way. She likes chores a lot, too.”
Hands-on events were getting popular these days, and even live entertainment was starting to
thrive. Maybe the best present for Komachi was giving her those kinds of experiences? There are some
things money can't buy. For everything else, there's your parents' money. MasterNEET.
Nonsense filled my head, and Yuigahama spoke up in admiration. “That's right. Maybe making
something together might be perfect!”
“Right, so about this...” I said, and offered her the box of fruit tarts. Yuigahama looked at it
curiously and tilted her head. I continued. “The cookies were good, so, this is kind of like thanks for
them, though it's a little early.”
As I tried to give her the box, Yuigahama giggled. “We used the same ingredients for these, didn't
we?”
“Not true. There's a secret ingredient in there...”
She wasn't wrong, because everything we used was in the kitchen. But I did my best to add my
own secret ingredient as I was taught by her mom.
Yuigahama stared at the box and then gave me a teasing look from below. “Uh huh... what did you
put in it?”
“It's not a secret if I tell you.”
“True.” Yuigahama laughed and accepted the box.
“All right, I'm fine here. See you.”
“Okay, see you at school.” Yuigahama waved her hand.
I nodded back and headed toward the station. After covering some distance, I turned back to see
Yuigahama was still waving, but with her arms. I lifted my hand up and continued walking.
The cold subsided at the front of the station, and its main street was crowded with numerous
people celebrating their holiday night. The winter that continued for so long was starting to feel like it
was going to end.
The passing of the seasons was embodied by the illumination of the city, and the fleeting lights of
the street lamps, neon signs, buildings, and apartment complexes all seemed to glisten so brightly.
Perhaps, this was the daily life that awaited me hereafter.
A semblance of an answer to the question Miura posed flashed through my mind; if I could go day
to day while granting her every wish, then...
Such an impossible thought crossed my mind.

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Prelude 4

We talked about all sorts of things, like our plans over spring break, or places we'd like to visit.
For someone as awkward as her, I knew it was just her way of trying to change the subject, but
she really was bad at it. Even her smile looked unnatural. She really was an awkward person.
She could pretty much do everything well. But when it came to lying, playing things off, or saying
the truth, she really was no good at them.
I would've liked it if we had stayed like that forever. But the time went by so quickly. It got a little
colder, less people could be seen at the front of the station, we started talking less, and eventually, the
trains stopped running. And now, we couldn't go anywhere. But I pretended not to notice any of these
things.
All I wanted was to enjoy talking about random things with her like how we've always had.
If only we could've stayed like this forever, I would've been fine with that. If just my wish was
granted like she had wanted, I would've been fine with that, too. But that wouldn't have been enough
for me nor would it have satisfied me.
“There's so much I want to do...” I whispered. I looked up at the large building that had its lights
disappearing one by one.
She let out a breath and smiled. “You're right.”
“Yep, I want to do everything. And I want everything.”
I moved just a little closer to her, more than earlier, and pushed my shoulder against hers. Then, I
rested my head on her as if I was falling asleep.
“I'm a greedy person, so I'm going to take everything, okay? I'm going to take all of your feelings,
Yukinon.”
I was a greedy person, after all.
Fun things, happy things, yummy things; I loved them all. I wasn't good at cooking or making
sweets, but I didn't hate doing them. I wanted to try all sorts of toppings and combinations. I didn't care
if they turned out badly. Spicy or bitter, I didn't mind either.
That's why, I would ask her, but only once.
If she didn't say anything, then I wouldn't say anything. But if she did, then I would, too.
It was unfair, I know. But the three of us were all the same; we were all unfair. We were all
greedy, because we wanted that wish to be granted. Even if we knew we couldn't make it happen. Even
if we knew it wouldn't ever be granted.
But I was probably the greediest one.
Sweet things, bitter things, painful things, stressful things, scars, and injuries; I wanted them all.
I lifted my head so I could face her head-on, and I gazed into her eyes. We were so close our faces
could've touched.
“So, Yukinon, please tell me what your feelings are.”
The second I told her, she breathed out. She seemed hesitant and even confused, and her eyes
wavered in anxiety. Her soft lips were slightly open, her long eyelashes trembled, and she looked like
she was going to burst into tears.
But I just couldn't avert my eyes anymore. I used to always act like I didn't see anything, acted as
if I hadn't noticed anything, and acted as if I didn't know anything, but now, I couldn't anymore. I sat
there and continued to look at her.
Her beautiful hair, her moist eyes, and her pale cheeks were all things I had always looked at.
She closed her lips a single time, as if biting them, and looked around. It was mostly just the two
of us at the front of the station, and there wasn't anyone close enough to overhear us. But nonetheless,
still seemingly concerned of strangers watching us, she slowly moved her shoulders closer. The way she
was so shy in touching me was just like a kitten.
She placed her hand to her mouth to whisper just a few words, the words that I probably didn't
want to hear.
But I still ended up smiling anyway. I was just so hopeless that my cheeks, my mouth, and even my

56

gaze all softened in response.
She suddenly moved her body away. Even though her face looked worried and scared, her cheeks

were still visibly flushed within the darkness.
When she made such a face, I truly didn't know what to do. Because it would've been easier on me

had I come to hate it instead.

XXX

I said it. I really said it, even though I was never planning to.
It's because I knew that if I had put it into words and acknowledged it, things would never be the
same. All the things that had been layered with a thin film would split open like the overflowing of
water in a vessel and the bursting of a balloon that had a needle ran across it.
That's why, I sealed my lips tightly. Had I just swallowed down my words, things could continue as
they were. But her eyes didn't allow me that luxury.
This was first time I had ever told anyone something like this, and I was sure it'd be the last.
I opened my trembling lips to tell her, my voice both feeble and trembling, as if I was repenting.
What kind of face would she make? What would she tell me? These questions filled my head as I
looked at her, and she gave me a warm smile. She merely accepted my words with a nod, not uttering a
single word.
It was my first time these kinds of words had ever left my mouth, but it looked like she had always
noticed how I felt a long time ago. But she still chose to wait until I was ready to tell her.
“Okay, I'll say it, too.”
She slowly closed her eyes, placed her hand on my shoulder, and used her other hand to cover her
mouth. She then moved her face closer.
The gel nail that extended from her thin fingers, her pink cheeks colored with a light rouge, her
glossy and puffy lips, and her gently curved eyebrows; all of her cute, fashionable, and beautiful parts
inched closer, as if she was going to kiss me.
When such an inappropriate thought came to mind, I suddenly became embarrassed and was on
the verge of backing away. I held back the urge and leaned forward.
And then, she whispered into my ear, as if she was play-biting like a puppy.
I was sure her words were what I wanted to hear. I sighed with relief and quietly moved my chin
away to keep myself from letting my thought slip out.
She removed her hand from my shoulder and distanced herself. When our eyes met, she laughed
embarrassingly and rubbed the bun on her head.
“I think our wishes are probably the same.”
“You're right...”
At the very least, I think that was the one thing we were sure of.
But I knew it would've been difficult to have it granted as exactly as we would've wanted. That's
why I chose what would've been the closest to it. I wanted to believe that it would be granted one day,
perhaps, the day I could finally be able to handle things better.
With something of a prayer in mind, I nodded. However, she shook her head.
I was unsure of what she was shaking her head to. I gave her an inquisitive look, only for her to
talk about something completely different.
“I think it's the same for Hikki, too.”
When she suddenly brought up his name, my body froze. As if to relieve my body from the tension,
she gently overlapped her hand with mine.
“I don't think he wants to give up on anything.”
She whispered nonchalantly, but it pricked my chest. Unbeknownst to me, my shoulders sank.
When I looked up, her unblinking gaze was directed toward the distant starry sky.
“The distance between us isn't something physical. No matter how far we go, no matter how long
it's been since we last saw each other, the distance between our feelings won't change, I think.”

57

“Is that how it works...?”
“Uh huh, I think so... But if our feelings change, we'll feel incredibly far apart no matter how close
we are to each other.”
I listened to her words in a place closer than anyone else. But at some point our overlapped hands
had joined together. We locked just our pinkies, as if we were making a promise. There was only so
much of our hands that touched. Our body heat wasn't particular high, just like how the temperature
around us wasn't that particularly low.
But I could definitely feel the touch of her warmth.
“If your wish and my wish are the same, can you take all of my feelings?”
“Yes, one day, I will for sure.”
She would say in a few words: By doing that, we could stay as we were without anything ever
changing.
If nothing changed, just how wonderful would that have been?
As our words transformed into heat, I quietly closed my eyes with a wishful feeling.
I was sure I would never forget this warmth. That's why, I would also never be able to forget this
coldness from when our hands came apart.

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Chapter 4: And so, Yukinoshita Yukino quietly waves her hand.

The early spring glow penetrated the windows, and a sense of formality filled the air along with
the occasional bouts of sniffling. Before me were rows of people clad in black uniforms. With a short
turn of my head, I could see I was enclosed by many in formal wear. Were it not for the fact that this
was my school's gymnasium, this gathering could've been mistaken for a funeral service.

However, the banner that gravitated over the stage above, displaying the words “Graduation
Award Ceremony”, and the soft colored artificial flower corsages worn by all of those who lined up at
the front made it clear this was a ceremonious occasion.

The sight of all the female students letting out stifling, short breaths, holding hands and leaning
shoulder to shoulder with their friends was the very manifestation of partings. Reluctant to break free
from their youth spanning three years of their lives in high school, it was only natural that such a
solemn mood would dominate. Nonetheless, only those related to this event could truly appreciate the
grandeur of this atmosphere. Outsiders like myself were merely forced to be witness to the deplorable
sights of strangers. In my case, my nonexistent connection to the graduates meant this this was just a
two to three hour period of being chained to a folding chair as I struggled to keep my eyes open.

There wasn't a need to feel sentimental about the boys and girls who would embark on a new life
on this fine day. After all, this event was just a screening of their long-awaited freedom from the
shackles of scrutiny. That's not to say I was fully void of attachment or interest; I certainly did possess
some sympathy for them. Once they left this building, they would be stripped of their titles as high
school students, their social status as children. Whether they were troublesome brats since their
younger days, called a delinquent over ten times, or hurt everyone who touched them because they
were as sharp as a knife, it didn't matter. Even if their passion was bound to their seats, or their dreams
had been chipped away at their desks, they had to graduate from this domain. Going forward, they
would become different from when they were pictured in their graduation album, swept along by the
wave of humanity.

That being said, many of the students here were advancing to college, which meant they could
enjoy a moratorium of a few years, but regardless, high school students and college students were still
treated differently in society. Nothing would change the fact that receiving a suspended sentence would
be enough to lose the right to guardianship and patronage. With that in mind, the sight of everyone in
lines was almost as if they were waiting to be shipped out after getting stamped under a consolidated
standard, which made the silence all the more eerie.

I recalled having similar thoughts the previous year. There's only so much you could do to stave off
boredom when you were in a situation that made it difficult to use your smartphone, and that's why my
mind was filled with such nonsense. Last year, I played rock-paper-scissors by myself, but how should I
spend the time next year...? I thought. Then, I had the realization that it would be my graduation
ceremony next year.

Now, things made sense. There was a reason why our school made the current students attend,
and I always wondered why; it was to make us aware of our limited time.

An esteemed individual on the stage began presenting their honorary speech. I ignored it while
turning my head. It was almost certainly, probably, or very likely that after I graduate, all of those I
could see were people I would never see again.

The rows were broken up by gender and classes in the order of their names based on the Japanese
syllabary22. Just how many of these people would I actually see again after graduation?

If I had personally gotten their contact addresses, then things could work out, but given my
personality, I wouldn't bother doing that. The more you integrated into a new environment, the less you
would reminisce. It's questionable whether I'd actually get used to that new environment, but it
certainly applied to a large majority.

If there's one example in particular, it would be Totsuka Saika. In his case, after an exchange or
two, we'd probably try to stay in touch somehow. Heck, he was the first person that came into view just
now! Tobe happened to be in my line of sight since he was next to Totsuka, but I was pretty sure I
wouldn't ever contact him. I mean, I didn't even know his contact address in the first place.

Now, for Hayama Hayato, who was next to Tobe, or my immediate left, he was able to get my info
unilaterally, but I had doubts he would go out of his way to contact me. On the off chance that he did,
after going through a blubbering adolescent phase thinking, “I wonder if he'll think I'm desperate if I

22 An ordering system based on the hiragana system in Japanese called gojuon, and is roughly analogous to English alphabetical order.

59

respond right away,” it's clear as day I would just ignore his call and never respond. It was never my
intention to give him my info in the first place. I only gave him my number to get through the annoying
mess that he caused during my coincidental reunion with Orimoto Kaori, so, as of now, I didn't even
have his info. Later on, he foolishly gave Haruno-san my info, and I was basically dealing with unneeded
stress.

Feeling nauseated from recalling the series of events, I gave him a glare of contempt. I might've
been doing it for too long, because he sent back a “What” with his eyes. I shook my head and looked
farther out. In one of the front rows where class C was sitting, I could see Zaimokuza's large body. For
him, well, I had the feeling I'd probably see him again after graduation.

What about the others?

When that came to mind, I felt oddly out of place and darted my eyes from place to place again.
What came into view were a bobbing dark blue ponytail, a suspicion reflection of a pair of glasses,and a
reddish brown short bob head. It was Ebina-san, Kawasaki, and Sagami Minami in that order. This was a
refreshing piece of information, mainly because it's something you'd only learn about during events like
this. But it didn't really matter at this point, because we only had about two weeks left in the same
class. The information was even more useless when it came to Sagami who I was absolutely not related
to in the present and even further in the past, and this of course, included our graduation and class
change for next year.

In Kawasaki's case, we're likely to meet a few times at cram school, but our interactions would, at
best, amount to short greetings and nods. Similarly, I doubt I'd ever see Ebina-san again unless there was
someone to mediate. At the end of the day, the only thing connecting us was a shallow one, and that
was Yuigahama Yui. Without her, it's more than likely we'd never meet again. Of course, this wasn't a
special case for Ebina-san, because it applied to almost all of the people I could call acquaintances
today.

I shook my stiff shoulders and hips for relief and stretched my neck. In that moment, I
inadvertently caught glimpse of a bouncing pink hair bun with a neighboring blond hair swaying like a
wave. Yuigahama Yui and Miura Yumiko were sitting side by side, and though it was hard to make out,
they appeared to be holding hands.

Miura was sniffing and wiping her tears with her sleeves, either emotional from the atmosphere,
or emotional from the realization of different classes next year Yuigahama offered her tissues with a
wry smile, and when she did that, they started whispering. Gradually, Yuigahama began to press against
her eyes. As I watched her calmly wipe her tears, a sudden thought came to mind.

Would I see her again after graduation?

It was a consideration that was only a year away, but it was hard to imagine. Our connection was
maintained only because we had club and class together right now, but once those were out of the
equation, would we be able to maintain the same kind of relationship?

Just as I was about to turn my head even more... I stopped. I doubt I could see the classes that sat
farther behind me. Even worse, because of the sitting order by syllabary, there's no way I could see the
people who were sitting at the far end of the rows.

Just what kind of expression was she, with her refreshing black hair and slender countenance,
making right now? It's something I would likely never see again.

I let out a short sigh and meekly faced forward. Then, a whisper that closed in on me from my left
entered my ear. Though it was vocally delightful, and tonally refreshing, the voice somehow came off as
detached.

“You can't sit still, can you...?”

“I'm bored... If you're not sitting next to people you're close with, there's nothing to do during an
event like this.”

“You make it sound like it's normal for you to have someone you're close with.”

I gave his sarcasm a shrug. Then, I fixed my posture and deliberately looked forward, not giving
him a single glance with the intention of ending the conversation there. However, his voice from my left
didn't stop.

“Are you searching?”

“For what?” I snapped back in irritation, along with a sidelong glare, feeling he had seen through
my mind when I tried to turn around in my seat earlier. Then, Hayama pointed his chin diagonally to the
front. I followed with my eyes, and what I was met with was the sight of adults in formal wear, and not
the students; it was the seating area for visitors.

60

In that area, I spotted Yukinoshita's mother. Dressed in black traditional Japanese clothing, and
along with her visual features, my eyes were able to easily pick her out out despite how far she was.

“Why is she here...?”

“It's not uncommon for members of the local government to attend these ceremonies, but a lot of
them in the area tend to have overlap in their schedules. She's likely here as their sole representative.”

“Uh-huh...”

I gave him an indifferent response while finding sense in his explanation. Just earlier, some local
government member was on stage. A little bit back further, and I think the teacher who served as the
master of ceremonies respectfully read aloud congratulatory telegrams from a number of people, and
omitted the rest after going through a majority of them.

“Now that you mention it, there was something like that in middle school, too.”

“It's especially common for public institutions. When they have the opportunity, they'll use
entrance ceremonies and graduation ceremonies to promote themselves.”

The words I casually whispered to myself (special skill) were met with a sign from Hayama. He was
apparently planning to pass the time with me. Our eyes were fixed to the front without ever turning to
the other, and we continued our meaningless exchange for this one occasion.

“Right, I doubt any of the students or parents are actually listening, though... I suppose they're
just doing it out of obligation,” I said.

Tired of my attitude, Hayama sighed. “That's a terrible way to put it... Call it tradition. There's
meaning in doing it, since teachers and parents are all potential voters.”

“That sounds way worse than what I said...”

I was similarly fed up with his attitude and sighed. Then, I could hear a proud chuckle coming from
my neighbor. He had to be wearing that twisted and refreshing smile that he wouldn't ever show to
anyone else. I didn't even need to look at him, which just got on my nerves. And if there's one more
thing that got me even more annoyed, it was the person I noticed sitting beside Yukinoshita's mother
who was alike in appearance. It was Yukinoshita Haruno dressed in a black suit. She rested her hands on
the bag on her lap and was gracefully casting her eyes downwards.

“And the reason for her being here is...?”

“Who knows? It's either because of her position, or a courtesy call... something along those lines.”

“Uh-huh...”

I gave him another meaningless response, but at the time, I had a very unpleasant premonition
clawing at me internally. Did this mean she would be present at the prom later? I was completely
unrelated, but even so, the words she left me lurked as dregs inside my chest.

As I sat there unable to verbalize my feelings, Hayama let out a dry laugh. “I guess that
explanation isn't enough for you.”

“No, sounds like it makes sense. Not that I'd know.” I abruptly answered, feeling unknowingly
perturbed.

Just past my shoulder, Hayama was wearing a thin smile. “Don't say what you don't mean.”

“Speak for yourself,” I said, glaring.

Unflinching, he ignored it and looked at the visitors. “I'm guessing she's here to see things
through...”

“Uh-huh, I see.”

I retracted my chin and gave him a reply that was meant to end the discussion. Typically, most
conversations ended after an “I see.” It was a sign to the other person that you had absolutely no
interest in what they had to say and wanted to be done with the conversation. But Hayama didn't back
down, and this time, continued with a quieter voice.

“You're not going to ask 'for what' this time, huh?”

Though his voice was calm, it reeked of provocation. Whenever Hayama Hayato, or the one who
influenced him, Yukinoshita Haruno, tried to rile you up in this way, staying quiet didn't do anything for
you. They would use their gazes and the atmosphere to wring the words out of you. The part I hated
about Hayama and Haruno-san were so awfully similar. Although I rarely caught glimpse of them talking
to each other, I was sure they had thrilling conversations whenever they did. But their methods were
something I had gotten used to recently. As a rule of thumb, this was the time to throw a smokescreen
and end the conversation.

61

“If you have to ask, then I have an idea. When it comes to her, it's usually to see what her little
sister is up to. Seriously, she's got way too much time on her hands...” I said, looking annoyed.

Hayama unconditionally spat out. “You're right. On the other hand, she's taking time out of her
own schedule to check up on her, so she's concerned to some extent.”

“Uhh, that's just scary... she's just as clingy as I am when it comes to my little sister...”

She had as much free time as me? If it's for Komachi, I would open up my schedule at any time,
though I haven't had the opportunity lately. If you bother her too much, she'll end up hating you, you
know! Are you listening, Yukinoshita's older sister!? She'll start hating you if you keep bothering her!
Also, Hikigaya-san's older brother, make sure you listen, too!

I let out a dry laugh as did Hayama. In that way, I would try to end the conversation with a joke,
but Hayama was no longer smiling.

“But she's not here just for her sister. I'm sure she's here to see the decision you'll make.”

“...”

I couldn't give him an answer this time, because what he said was likely to be true. As I sat there
unable to reply, he lightly bumped me with his elbow to see if I still had his attention. I clicked my
tongue and gave him a mouthful out of spite.

“You can't sit still, can you? You'll get marked down on your report card, you know.”

“I'm bored... If you're not sitting next to people you're close with, there's nothing to do during an
event like this.”

I frowned at his sarcasm. Um, you realize you were saying you weren't close to Tobe, right?

Then, Tobe, who he wasn't apparently close with, poked his face out from Hayama's side. “What,
what's up? Something going on over here?”

“It's nothing, Tobe. You're too loud, settle down,” Hayama said instantly with a beaming smile.
Tobe had a bewildered look and returned his head back to its original position.

Once we quieted down, I looked to the front toward the stage, and the guests of honor had
finished their honorary speeches. The master of ceremonies advanced the ceremony along.

“Next, the student body representative will present her farewell address.”

Upon being called, an adorable, candy voice responded in acknowledgment. This deliberate foxy
and cute response was... I thought, and Isshiki Iroha stepped onto the stage.

Oh, speaking of which, she mentioned something about having to do the farewell address... she
was in discussion about it with Hiratsuka-sensei at some point, but then tried to run away from the
job... In any case, let's see what the combined efforts of Irohasu and Hiratsuka-sensei, though mostly
the latter, could do. I straightened my posture and looked at Isshiki as she bowed in front of the
microphone.

“The relentless winter has come to an end, and under the gentle warmth of the sun, we are
welcomed by a faint aroma of the new season of spring.”

The microphone picked up crumpling noises as she unfolded her paper that was folded like an
accordion. Then, Isshiki calmly assumed the demeanor of an honors student and began her speech. The
impish behavior she usually flaunted was tucked away, and she answered to the expectations of the
teachers and parents of what a exemplary student council president should be. As she progressed
through her address, boldly retelling the memories she shared with her upperclassmen, her voice
suddenly choked up.

“In looking back on my memories, my upperclassmen had always been supporting me...”

Occasionally, she would sniff and pretend to wipe the nonexistent tears at her eyes. As foxy as
ever, Irohasu...

In all the events we've worked on so far, I had always been observing her like a producer from
backstage. But today, I was part of the audience. When your seat as the viewer changed, so would your
perspective. And of course, the correct pose to make in the audience of an arena was the Vega pose
with the attitude of a boyfriend. But everyone would think I was crazy if I suddenly stood up now. So,
for today, I'd pretend to be a related person and act like an ex-boyfriend from long ago while playing a
BGM by Yamazaki Masayoshi in my head and going, “Looks like you found the place you belong, huh?
You're shining brighter than you ever did before.” Yeah, you've got a few screws loose doing that, too.

But regardless of your position, the sight of someone holding back their tears as they presented
their farewell address pulled on your emotional strings. Even if it was just fake crying to rouse the

62

audience, her commendable behavior scored a lot of Hachiman points.
Yep, yep, Isshiki, you did your best. Cute, very cute. Even when Hiratsuka-sensei was angry at you,

and you tried to skip out on your responsibilities, or just ran away with excuses, you still did your best.
Or did you?

I watched over her with the eyes of a father and brother, and I suddenly felt tears welling up. I
slightly stuck out my chin and looked up at the ceiling, so Hayama wouldn't notice.

If she ended up as the student council president again next year, then that would mean she'd give
the farewell address for my graduation. So, the sight I was witnessing right now may very well be the
same one next year. As I felt moved by the thought, the farewell addressed proceeded to its conclusion.
She folded her paper and waited for the applause. Then, she faced forward, wiped the tear at the
corner of her eye with the tip of her finger and smiled.

“Last but not least, I would like to pray for your continued health and wish you the best of luck in
your future endeavors. I end my farewell address as the representative of the current student body,
Isshiki Iroha...”

After concluding with the enunciation of her name, she bowed. With an upright posture and poised
expression, she elegantly descended the stage. To see a first year handle such a heavy responsibility
with dignity caused the audience and me to give a thunderous round of applause.

The applause gradually simmered, and my excitement reached its peak. After this, I was stuck
watching the awards ceremony where the socialities would mistaken the calls of their names as roll call
and dumbly respond, “Yes, I'm healthy!” and trip over themselves.

A graduation ceremony where you had no emotional connection with the people involved was truly
the peak of boredom.

XXX

...There was a time in my life when I had such a mindset.
“Next, the graduate representative will present her formal response.”
The former student council president Shiromeguri Meguri-senpai energetically answered her
summon and ascended the stage. She bowed at the center, and then examined the students below her,
as if making eye contact with each one. I had the feeling she even looked at me as well. Then, she
beamed, wearing a soft and warm smile that she had shown me in the past before, and began her
speech, speaking in a voice that was smooth enough to dissolve the formality permeating the ceremony.
“Today is a wonderful day as the sun showers us with its warmth...”
As she progressed through her speech, her voice began to crack, and she bit her lips that formed
her initial smile in grief, almost as if she was trying to tell herself not to cry. Such a sight couldn't be
described as nothing other than emotional. I was even muttering to myself, “Oh god, oh god, this is so
emotional...”
A problematic thing with otakus was that they were proprietors of the the term “emotional,” and
were prone to becoming emotional as well. The simple act of attending a live concert would have them
in tears. On top of that, they'd start bawling again while tweeting their experience in a poetic fashion
on their way home. And the process would repeat when the live concert had a BD release. In other
words, they were hardwired to becoming emotional at a moment's notice. It was a testament to their
love for all things that invoked emotion. They were indigenous emoskis who hailed from tsundere
regions23 and were predisposed to becoming pretentious on live call-in shows, at handshake events, or
on a voice actor's radio program.
The thoughts that filled my head were absurd, but truthfully, I was on the verge of tears.
“My most irreplaceable experiences were the student council activities over the course of my high
school career. Because of the cooperation of all the classes, clubs, and volunteers, we were able to hold
many events. There were two in particular that had the biggest impact on me, and they were the
culture festival and the sports festival... Boy, they were a lot of work!”
Her face glowed like a flower that waited for its moment to blossom. That tingled my nasals, and
my vision began to blur.
Looking back on the past year, a lot of things happened. I had a flashback of all the emotional
memories like a revolving lantern. Wait, this sounds like I died, didn't it?

23 Tundra sometimes gets mixed up as tsundere as a joke.

63

If there was one person I could truly call my senpai, it was the person on stage. In listening to her
trembling voice and her act of wiping her tears, I sniffed over and over. Suddenly, my shoulder was
tapped by my sitting neighbor.

My face distorted with disgust saying, “The hell do you want, I'm busy, can't you see I'm soaking up
the atmosphere right now, I'll kill you,” and I turned to see Hayama was making a similar look. He
pointed his index finger to his side, and I could see Totsuka, the neighbor of Hayama's neighbor, taking
out tissues from his pocket.

“Hachiman, you okay?” he whispered, sounding worried. He passed the tissues down the row like a
bucket relay. When they reached Tobe, he also gave me a concerning look.

“Yo, Hikitani-kun, got hay fever? Hay fever, right? It's pretty bad, yeah.”

Wrong. Shut up. I don't have hay fever. Sure, my eyes and nose tended to get all itchy around the
beginning of spring and the early parts of summer, but that's just my imagination at work. It's my loss if I
acknowledged it. I groaned at him, which prompted Tobe to add even more tissues.

“Here, pass this over to Hikitani-kun. But nah, I've got hay fever too, you know? Especially around
the beginning of spring, it really kills me.”

“Tobe, you're too loud...” Hayama said, reprimanding him

Reprimanded, Tobe let out a voiceless groan or something to that effect. He was whispering, yet
he was still loud and obnoxious. How did that even work? I mean, hes' a good guy, but he's really
obnoxious. Anyway, I shouldn't have expected less from someone with hay fever. Boys who had tissues
handy scored high in Hachiman points. People who didn't, like me, scored low in Hachiman points.

By the time the tissues reached Hayama, there was a large stack. Hayama took some from his
breast pocket and pushed the bag of tissues onto me. I accepted and blew my nose.

“Changs...” I said with a sobbing voice, and passed back the tissues.

Hayama was appalled. “You're crying way too much...”

“No, you've got it wrong. It's just the older I get, the more susceptible I am to crying... Nowadays,
I cry just from the start of a Precure episode...”

“Are you crying every Saturday morning...?”

“Weekdays too, because of reruns.”

“R-Really...” Hayama looked even more appalled.

My tear glands were trained by the kids anime, Precure and Aikatsu, and I could activate them
within zero frames. And so, I would find myself in a blubbering mess every Saturday and Sunday, two
times a week. If we included the reruns on the MX and Chiba TV stations, that would make it four times
a week. Once the opening of Aikatsu on Parade started, I'd shed a gallon's worth of tears. As I continued
to sob, Meguri-senpai continued with her speech.

“From this point onward, we will take one step at a time toward our individual futures. Even if we
encounter an insurmountable wall, the memories, lessons, and pride we gained from Sobu High School
will serve as the backbone that propels us to live strongly. I truly thank you from the bottom of my
heart.”

And so, she moved on to the conclusion of her speech. If this was a live concert, the tension would
be similar to the final song. Though for me, I felt like I had only just arrived. Every live concert
regardless of the wishes of the audience would always end just like Meguri-senpai's speech marched on
to its finale.

“In honor of all those who gave us a supporting hand... I end my formal response as the graduate
representative, Shiromeguri Meguri.”

She lowered her head and maintained a beautiful bow. A long period of silence followed as did the
lamenting wails of the audience.

“Everyone, thank you! I had a blast! I had the best time ever! Thank you so much!”

Soon after, she lifted her face and sported her special Megu-Megu-Megurin☆Megurin smile.

“Hey, you guys, are you ready to culture!?”

Before descending the stage, she gripped the microphone and loudly declared causing a stir in the
audience. Those who were seated in the visitors' area were bewildered, but the students responded in
kind after recalling her words with a “Yeaaah!”

Meguri-senpai sweetly smiled and took a deep breath.

64

“Chiba's specialties!”
“Festivals and dancing!”
“Since we're all fools!”
“We'll dance!”
“And sing a song!”
Both graduate and enrolled students alike performed the mysterious call and response, or CaR,
with idiotic voices. Everyone broke into smiles after remembering that memorable moment from the
culture festival. The atmosphere that was stifled by grief moments ago was instantly turned upside-
down, and of course, in a good way.
This was the kind of atmosphere that only Meguri-senpai was able to build during her time as the
student council president. While I didn't know a single thing about the majority of my upperclassmen,
nor do I care to, I thought this turned out to be a great graduation ceremony. Just being able to witness
Meguri-senpai's glowing smile was enough to make participating all the worthwhile.
Phew, could anything ever top this? As soon as I get home, I'm going to poetically recite my
experience on Twitter!

XXX

The school day ended after we had a simple homeroom following the ceremony.
Today wasn't just an emotional day of parting for the graduates, but also for the remaining
students. Many had already left the classrooms to see their upperclassmen, either because they were in
the same club or something else. Even Hayama and the extra three idiots, the usual suspects who'd stay
behind in class, were already gone. Similarly, Totsuka had left with heavy luggage as the captain of the
tennis club.
As for me, heading straight home was the only thing I could do, since I had nothing to do with my
upperclassmen. The classroom proceeded to empty, and I made my preparations to head home until
Yuigahama came by.
“Do you wanna stop by the student council? Meguri-senpai's there.”
“Ah... well, I'd like to say hello if possible, but...”
This might be the last time I could get to see her. Considering how much she's done for me, it was
only proper I should say my goodbye at least. But after all the bawling I did during the ceremony, seeing
her face to face was a little embarrassing.
Will I be okay? My eyes aren't swollen or anything, right? God, there's no way I can meet Meguri-
senpai looking like this... There's this commercial with an office lady on her third year as a working
adult who sat against a refrigerator and pressed a chilled spoon against her eyelids and whispered to
herself, “Don't lose, me...” I' need to act like that!
Yuigahama made a clueless head tilt to my hesitant pause. “But...?”
“No, forget it. It's nothing. Let's go.”
There's nothing more shameful than explaining why my girlishy maiden heart, full of maiden
circuits24, was on the verge of short-circuiting. I ended the conversation abruptly and stood up with my
coat and bag in hand. I started walking, and Yuigahama, still clueless, followed. Then, just as I was
about to exit the class, she overtook me by a few steps and turned to examine my eyes.
“Ohh... Hikki, you cried a lot, didn't you? That's hilarious. Are you embarrassed?” she said, trying
to hold in her laughter. She gave me a teasing look, acting like an older sister, and the shame and
embarrassment caused me to stammer.
“Am not,” I said, trying to be blunt. That only made her giggle more, however.
“Yumiko actually cried a lot, too. She was so embarrassed afterwards, and it was the cutest thing
ever...” she smiled in satisfaction after recalling the sight. I see, that explained why Miura-san
immediately went home, because she was too embarrassed, huh? What a cute person... Nonetheless, I
was on the same boat, so she had my sympathies...
“Come on, anyone would cry if they were there... I mean, Isshiki did really well with her farewell
address, and we all know how hopeless she can be. More importantly, don't even get me started on
Meguri-senpai. The way she tried so hard to keep smiling but still kept crying, and then that smile she

24 Saber Marionette

65

made after her speech? Amazing. Oh, and the CaR they did? That was definitely done on the spot.
Simply ama—d”

“You're talking too much! Wow, that's gross... freaky... just no...”

Well, that's a normal reaction. Otakus had the tendency to claim something was improvised and
get emotional. The fact they would do that even when it was all according to an actual script made
them suitable for spectating professional wrestling. Therefore, Bushiroad25 was amazing for realizing the
compatibility of otakus and professional wrestling. What's amazing? The spirit of “I won't stop until I
win.” It's one of the most essential policies to have as a content owner these days.

I was eager to outwit her with my logic, but there was a far more effective choice of words I could
use.there were a few words that proved to be far more effective.

“Speak for yourself, you were obviously crying, too...” I said, giving her a fixated stare.

“I mean, it's because Yumiko kept crying... and when I thought about how our classes are gonna
change and how we're gonna graduate soon, I couldn't help it.” Yuigahama tried to make excuses for
herself, looking flushed with embarrassment and vexed. She looked away and continued, “Actually,
could you not watch me when I'm like that...?”

“Same goes to you...”

We made our way down the stairs while chatting, and the number of people we came across
began to increase. The third year classes were on the first two floors of the main building, and as soon
we entered the hallway, there were students idly chatting and taking photos with each other. Even after
standing shoulder to shoulder and taking a picture, some catalyst would lead them into continuing their
conversations instead of leaving. I wasn't sure if it was because they were reluctant, or they were
garbage communicators that couldn't find the timing to leave, but either way, it was a difficult to do.

We walked down the hallway while avoiding being a hindrance to the graduates, and we passed by
a group with the flower corsages pinned to their breast pockets. They were holding a graduation album,
and seemed to be collecting autographs from people to fill in the final blank pages.

“I'm definitely gonna be a crying mess next year...” Yuigahama whispered just as we passed by the
group. The words seemed to be for herself, so I just mindlessly gave her an acknowledging breath.

It's very probable she was going to cry next year. Together with Miura and Ebina-san, shoulder to
shoulder, hands linked, and intimately whispering to each other, they would no doubt lament their
separation.

The tears they had shed today weren't solely because of the proliferating influence of the
graduation ceremony, nor was it the overlapping realization that what they witnessed today was a road
they would eventually travel down. I think it's because they were aware that their parting was in fact
closing in on them right before their eyes in reality. Our acts of opening the door of class 2-F, which we
had just left, was numbered.

It wasn't too long until our routine classes, listless lunch breaks, and the deserted but srene after-
school campus would be all gone. Even if they were all similar after becoming third years, the people
we see in them would be all different.

In Miura's case, she had an emotional attachment to our class. Hayama Hayato was self-
explanatory, but the friendships she forged in our class weren't things you could come across easily. The
conflict she once had with Yuigahama, for example, made it all the more important to her. In that
sense, this made Yuigahama similar to Miura.

Conversely, how was it for me? I wouldn't just write it off as a simple class change, but it never
really did invoke any significant emotions from me to this day. I never went out of my way to stay in
touch, nor did I put in the effort to stay close, or even maintain, a close relationship with anyone.
Orimoto Kaori was the only one who I saw again after graduating from middle school, and that was
merely a byproduct of coincidences.

It's a universal truth that people who don't meet would fall out of contact, and if they established
new relationships, they would maintain a similar distance. People were quick to adapt to a change in
environments. They would get used to it, be friendly, and then go their separate ways again. If a bye
was good, then it was a goodbye.

We were always in the middle of saying goodbye no matter when and where.

Perhaps, changing classes and graduation ceremonies were to help us practice. We were given a
finite amount of time, and our partings were prepared for us regardless of our individual feelings and
consent. It's a generous plan that allowed even the worst garbage communicators to say a clean

25 Japanese entertainment company that owns a number of franchises. They also acquired New Japan Pro-Wrestling back in 2012.

66

goodbye. It also came with an after service bonus in the form of two excuses, “We graduated, that's
why,” and “We changed classes, that's why,” in case we wondered why people never saw each other
again.

Having experienced many short-lived partings, I was a professional. My technique in the art of
farewells had already reached the level of mastery that allowed me to flawlessly and wordlessly end a
relationship. It was a natural conclusion that the other party would fail to be conscious of; the skill of a
technician. The speed at which my partings happened was frighteningly fast that only I could notice.
Living while erasing my existence was a part of me now.

So, basically, if you looked at it from another perspective, I never went through a proper parting
before. I was someone who would act out a memorable parting after skipping out on work at a part-time
job and then sending back the uniform in a COD package26 on another day.

Now, just what could I talk about with Meguri-senpai...? As I mulled over the thought, we arrived
at the door of the student council. Feeling somewhat nervous, I knocked.

“C-Come in...”

The knock was answered by a disjointed voice. Since it came from the other side of the door, it
was a little hard to understand, but it was likely Isshiki. I opened the door, curious about her exhausted
voice, and my question was immediately answered.

At the center of the room, Meguri-senpai was bear hugging Yukinoshita and Isshiki in tears. “Thank
you! Thank you so much! Gosh, I just love the student council so much!”

“So close...”

On one hand, Yukinoshita was at a loss, while on the other, Isshiki looked away and sighed in
annoyance. Yep, yep, you earned some brownie points for making sure Meguri-senpai didn't see that. I
was able to see something good today...

As I watched them, Meguri-senpai noticed us. “Oh! Yuigahama-san, Hikigaya-kun! You came!”

This time, she pounced at Yuigahama. Accustomed to the physical intimacy between girls, she
hugged her back. A real natural, indeed... As for me? My heart was pounding, and I was thinking,
“Hawawa! What should I do if she hugged me, too!?”

“Thank you so much, you two! A lot happened along the way, but I had a ton of fun!”

“Me too!”

Meguri-senpai and Yuigahama held hands and began to hit it off. Finally released from her
embrace, Yukinoshita massaged her chest in relief. I couldn't help but break into a smile after seeing
such a nostalgic gesture from her. Then, our eyes met for just an instant, before she averted them to
the clock.

She said to Isshiki, “The vendors will arriving soon, so I should get going.”

“Hmm, isn't it a bit early?” Isshiki dubiously turned her head. She took out a piece of paper that
looked like a progress schedule. “Hmm, it's kind of a weird time for you to go, but I guess it's better to
be early than be late. Should I tag along?”

Yukinoshita shook her head. “I'll just be supervising, so I can do it alone. Shiromeguri-senpai, I'll be
on my way now, so I'll see you again at the prom.”

“Sure! See you later!” Meguri-senpai said with a smile, and waved as Yukinoshtia left the room.
After seeing her off, she glanced at the clock, and whispered, “There's prom preparations to take care
of, huh? I should get changed and get going, too...”

Yuigahama sparkled. “Oh! What kind of dress are you wearing?”

“It's really amazing, I tell you. Like, it's just so erotic.”

“Erotic...?”

Hearing such a frank declaration, Yuigahama faltered for just an instant. However, Meguri-senpai
assumed an oddly look of elation as she took out her smartphone. When Yuigahama looked at the
screen, they began whispering.

“It shows a lot of skin, but the way it outlines my silhouette is just so erotic, and I mean, super
erotic.”

“Ohh... it is really is erotic.”

As the two engaged in their chatter, Isshiki peeked in. “You're picking one that just barely skirts
the dress code, huh? Like you're trying to fetishize your natural cuteness in a way.”

26 It's considered bad etiquette to send your uniform back to the workplace. You should be handing them back in person.

67

“Right? The moment I saw it on the catalog, I just knew I had to try it!”

“Wow, you went with the other third years? That sounds like a lot of fun!”

“Yep, yep. I contacted a few people just in case, and things just turned out that way while we
were talking.”

As Meguri-senpai slid her fingers on her smartphone, Yuigahama gave her astonished glitterrific☆
reactions. Isshiki, on the other hand, was composed.

“Oh, I see. Also, thank you for spreading the word about our dress code.”

“Oh, don't sweat it! It's been a while since I got to participate in an event, so I had a lot of fun!”

The young ladies were truly having the time of their lives looking at their smartphones, while I was
acting suspiciously with the hope of catching a glimpse. This kind of situation was something a boy
couldn't nonchalantly participate. Rather, it's wiser to stay out of it entirely. Even if I could manage a
“Hey, let me see, too!” I don't think I had it in me to provide impressions that didn't violate the ethics
code. I guess the most I could say was “Huh, that's pretty lewd.” At that point, it'd be better not say
anything at all.

While lending an ear to the frolicking noise of the girls, I entered Jizou time. I assumed a stillness
that would net me offerings, and Meguri-senpai sent me a smile after putting her phone away,
apparently not forgetting about me.

“I don't get very many opportunities to wear dresses like that, so I'm so happy you guys are doing
the prom. Thank you, Hikigaya-kun.”

“Oh, no... It doesn't have much to do with me, since Yukinoshita and the others are the ones doing
it.”

“Oh...”

Flustered when she suddenly brought me into the conversation, I gave her an awkward laugh. This
caused her face to slightly cloud with melancholy. Upon seeing such a face, I was attacked with guilt,
and my chest stung. Because of that, I unknowingly added onto my statement.

“Well... I plan on helping at least, so I'll be there.”

“Really? That's great! I was just thinking how nice it'd be to see you all again, since it'll be the last
time.” Meguri-senpai smiled with reassurance. Her ending words, however, sounded lonely, something
she seemed to be aware of.

“I didn't think I'd actually be graduating...” She whispered as she made a loving look around the
student council room. It's likely her words weren't meant for us. With everyone unable to say anything,
she quickly interjected with a jolly shake of her hands, and added, “Oh, don't get me wrong! I was going
to graduate for sure, and I'm definitely going to college! But, I mean, it's just...”

The warm and soft smile she had always worn began to break down along with her words, and her
eyes suddenly misted over. “It's just... it's just, you know?” As if to hide the tears welling at her eyes,
she let out a bashful giggle.

Yuigahama nodded tenderly. “I think I kind of get it.”

Meguri-senpai gave her appreciation and faced us. “You guys should all try to do something fun
again... I'll be gone, but you all still have a lot of time left!”

“Yes...”

“I'll do what I can...”

Yuigahama answered, and I followed. We didn't think that was possible, but there wasn't any point
in saying that now. I think Yuigahama and I had the same expression, one that looked like we were
trying not to smile, as if we were trying to put up with something. Our eyes were downcast as we lightly
bit our lips.

Meguri-senpai watched us with a gentle gaze and said nothing more. Then, she turned to Isshiki.

“Isshiki-san, the Sobu High School student council is in your hands,” she said, and then did a
beautiful bow.

Isshiki made baffled blinks in a daze. But she immediately straightened her posture and looked at
Meguri-senpai head on.

“Yes.... though it's been in my hands for a while now,” Isshiki said with a wry smile.

“Ahaha, that's true.” Meguri-senpai made a nonchalant laugh. Then, she slapped her cheeks for
motivation. “Okay, that's it! Goodbye time is over!” She took a step. “I'll see you later at the prom! Let's

68

talk more there! That's a promise!”
She energetically waved her hands as she made her way out. Right before the door closed, she

peeked her face in the opening and waved again. I wanted her to stop, because she looked just like
Jack Nicholson from The Shining. Not to mention, it just made me want to wave back, too... When the
door finally closed completely, I was able to drop my arms and let out an exhausted sigh.

Isshiki who had been watching our interaction blurted out. “Is it just me, or do you like Meguri-
senpai a lot?”

“Oh, I was thinking the same thing.”
“Excuse me...? You're saying there are people who don't like her?”
“Ahh, it's hard to imagine. Wait, why do you sound a little angry...?”
Yuigahama laughed. But Irohasu, why were you being quiet? It's not nice to be crossing your arms
with a face saying, “Uh, I'm sure pretty sure there are...” That's the problem with you!
I gave her an admonishing look, and upon noticing, she cleared her throat. Then, she changed the
subject and made an unpleasant grin. “Well, anyway, for the Meguri-senpai you love so much, why don't
we go get some work done?”
Hmm... Putting it that way kind of bothers me...

XXX

Isshiki headed to the venue of the prom, the school gymnasium, with us in tow. The bending rays
of the sun dyed the floor and walls with a pale orange. The heater placed at the rear blazed with a
bright red and kept the open space surprisingly warm.

I made a sweeping glance to see the decoration of the venue was proceeding smoothly, and the
various arrangements of the balloon art, flower stands, and disco balls made for a flourishing interior. It
wasn't too long ago that the gym was permeated with a stifled atmosphere of the graduation ceremony,
but now, it was as festive as far as the eye could see.

In such a brilliant interior, only the place Yukinoshita Yukino stood had a frigid professionalism. She
was engaged in a meeting with the vendors in workwear jumpsuits. Isshiki watched afar and waited for
their meeting to end before leaving us behind.

“Yukino-senpai! It's almost time.”
Yukinoshita courteously bowed to the vendors after noticing Isshiki and hurried toward her. But
then, she stopped. “Hikigaya-kun...”
She gripped the collar of her blazer, and looked as if she wanted to say something more, but
swallowed them instead. The corner of her brows curled downwards, and her downcast eyes questioned
why I was even here.
Maybe it would've been better if I had given her an excuse. Sadly, I didn't have one that could
convince her. On the other hand, there was no point in forcing my random logic on her, either. At the
end of the day, I was swept along in recent events and had pushed the responsibility onto someone else
and ultimately ended up here by coincidence. Unable to respond, I pulled my head back and could only
nod with a moment of eye contact.
“Hey, Yukinon! We're here to help out!” Yuigahama stepped forward when the two of us stood in
silence.
Yukinoshita made a penitent bow. “I see... I'm sorry for the trouble.”
“It's fine! Don't worry about it! I was always planning to help,” Yuigahama said, brightly.
“Thank you.”
Finally, she smiled. I was just about to open my mouth, because I felt I needed to say something as
well, but Isshiki tapped my shoulder in deliberate interruption.
“Well, it doesn't hurt to have more helping hands. Senpai, thanks for the help.”
Although Isshiki stated casually, I could tell she didn't want our back-and-forth to escalate into
anything bigger. Her decision to immediately begin distributing the event schedule was a physical
manifestation of her concern.
“In any case, let's start our meeting.”
Once everyone received a copy, Isshiki retrieved a pen from her breast pocket and started the

69

meeting.

“Yukino-senpai will be supervising the event in its entirety, and I'll be the MC as well as the sound
operator. Our vice president will handle the stage lighting while secretary-chan will be in charge of
catering. The soccer club grunts will take care most of the odd jobs with some helpers from various
clubs.”

Half of what Isshiki said went in one ear and out the other as I looked around the gym, and I
certainly did spot unfamiliar faces that weren't apart of the student council. With Hayama's cooperation
as an execute of the club captains' association, they were able to secure extra personnel for the
miscellaneous jobs. This meant Yukinoshita and the student council could focus on their responsibilities
as the main staff of this event. The planning was meticulous, I thought.

Isshiki quickly added, “Oh, we also have a scary person scheduled to handle any wardrobe issues.”

What? Did she mean Kawasaki? She sounded like she belonged to an influential criminal
organization or something. Kawasaki's such a good person, too... I stood there in shock.

Meanwhile, Isshiki made notes on her schedule. Afterwards, she looked up at Yukinoshita. “What
should we assign these two?”

Yukinoshita placed her hand to her mouth and went into thought.

“Since they're offering, we can have them help with the reception, the sound, or the lighting.”

“I'll do the reception. We can't really leave that to Hikki, so...” Yuigahama raised her hand and
quickly volunteered, though her words started trailing off near the end. Isshiki continued after her with
an agreeable nod.

“That's true.”

Great job, Gahama-san, Irohasu, you two understood me well. Since I, too, understood myself very
well, I nodded along. Yukinoshita didn't, however, and faced Yuigahama.

“We're not expecting a large turnout, but there will be parents visiting, so make sure to register
their names. For students, check their student ID.”

“We'll station Tobe-senpai and the other grunts at the reception, so if there's any trouble, let them
handle it, and please call either Yukino-senpai or me.”

“Okay-dokey.”

Yuigahama casually acknowledged Isshiki's additional instruction. Wait, Tobe's just a grunt...? And
you're making him stand the entire time...?

“As for senpai...”

“Let's see...”

Isshiki looked at Yukinoshita and me in turn. Yukinoshita didn't say anything more, but she was
weakly biting her lip and seemed to be in thought. That being said, she didn't provide me with a
designation. Based on our discussion so far, only the sound or the lighting were available.

“The lighting seems pretty integrated throughout the event, so that might be too difficult to do if
I don't have an idea how everything works,” I said, looking at Isshiki.

Isshiki nodded. “That's true. Please help as a sound assistant, then. It'll be my main responsibility,
but I'll still have to go in and out during the event. Having a stand-in would help a lot.”

“Roger that. Anything I need to keep in mind?”

“Music numbers are printed on the event schedule, so there shouldn't be any issues as long as you
follow the playlist. We'll also call the song cues, so I think we should be okay.”

“Uh-huh, I see.”

A playlist was built in advance, and the songs had also been secured. On top of that, they would
call the cues for each song. The only remaining concern was the technical aspect.

“Do you mind if we do a quick test run?”

I pointed my index finger at the control booth on the mezzanine floor located in the wing of the
stage to my right, or the stage left. She said I just needed to help as an assistant, but anything could
happen during the event. It stood to reason that I had the basics down on operating the controls.

“Oh, sure. Let's go take a look,” she said, and politely led the way. We followed her to the control
booth. After we ascended the dimly lit stairs from the wing, we entered a small room. Yukinoshita
entered, followed by Yuigahama who looked around the room in interest. It's certainly a place you
wouldn't visit normally. There was the one time during the culture festival where I had a rough overview

70

of the sound facilities as part of my odd jobs, but I never actually had the chance to fiddle with them.

Feeling a little concerned I could fulfill my duties, I looked at the PA sound mixer near the wall
with a small window, and there was a faintly lit red lamp. I took a seat in front of the mixer as Isshiki
recommended. Above the mixer was a laminated user manual along with a written playlist. Paper tape
was clearly pasted on the mixer's meters that looked related to the sound levels to make it easier for
students to operate. The sliders of the faders were wrapped with colored tape that could easily be
utilized with a single glance. With this much preparation, the controls shouldn't be a problem.

“I'm going to play a song.”

“Sure.”

After attaining Isshiki's permission, I pressed the button. Then, an EDM track began to play, making
beats27 that someone like Tobe would make. Next, I checked the event schedule and the playlist, and
verified that each song was available using the playback controls to get a rough overview of how the
controls worked. So far, so good.

I stared at the schedule and mixer thinking of any remaining items, and a realization hit me.
Sound operators didn't only play the music. They also handled everything else that involved sound,
which included the microphones.

“What about the mics? How many do we need, and where do we put them?”

“Huh? Oh, give me one second...” Isshiki flipped through the event schedule. There, Yukinoshita
spoke up.

“A wired one for me at the stage right, a wireless one for Isshiki-san, and a spare one at the stage
left,” she said while taking out white masking tape from her blazer's pocket. She cut three small pieces
and put each one under their respective fader sliders.

I grabbed a sign pen that was on the mixer, and wrote down “Yukinoshita,” “Isshiki”, and “Spare”
one by one. The microphones were now accounted for. Next was... I flipped through the event schedule,
and I came across an unfamiliar word.

“What's this 'slideshow' about...?” I asked, tapping on the booklet.

Isshiki looked down. “Oh, this? It's a picture compilation of the graduates from all sorts of people.
It wasn't really edited, though.”

“Uh-huh..”

It looked like the details of the prom had changed without my knowledge. We were now in a
period when slideshows could easily be produced on a smartphone. I couldn't say much about the
quality, but it didn't require much effort, and if it's enough to make the graduates happy and even
excite them, it's a very cost-effective program item. The thoroughness had me impressed, and I checked
over the relevant sections on the schedule while marking them in red circles.

“So, the most annoying item is the slideshow, huh? What are we using to play it?” I rotated my
seat, and Isshiki was in front of me. However, my question was immediately answered by a voice beside
her.

“We'll be using the PC's line out for sound. We've also confirmed the lighting during technical
rehearsal, so you only need to worry about the faders. We'll take care of playing the video on our end.”
She began preparing a PC as she spoke, looking to give me a demonstration. With that out of the way,
that cleared up any of my remaining doubts.

“Roger that. Will the video start with a black screen? How many seconds?”

“It'll be an initial ten seconds followed by another ten for the countdown.”

“Can we give that a try?”

“Yes. Isshiki-san, can I ask you to run through the process?”

“Huh...? Oh, yes!” Isshiki snapped out of her daze when her name suddenly came up. Yukinoshita
gave her a confused look.

“What's wrong?”

“Um, I was just thinking how you two were talking a lot...” She looked at Yuigahama for
agreement.

Yuigahama made a nervous laugh. “Well, it happens all the time, so...”

Seeing Yuigahama rubbing her hair bun with a troubled smile, both Yukinoshita and I went quiet,
and it got awkward. Any longer, and the control booth would've been dominated by silence. Unable to

27 The original sound is “pon pon pooon”, which was popularized by a comedian over Twitter.

71

stand it, I spat out a response.

“I'm sorry, okay? I barely talk, and when I do, it's only at times like this, so it's kind of gross,
right?”

“Well, yes, but...”

...Really? Irohasu, you thought I was gross this entire time?

When I gave her a resentful glare, she coughed as if to check her throat. Then, she pretended to
hold an air microphone in one hand. Looking ready to begin a rehearsal, she opened her mouth.

“Okay. Next, we have a slideshow. Yay! Clap, clap, clap.”

“After that, Isshiki-san will exit the stage. The lighting will slowly black out, and the video will
play.”

Yukinoshita continued to explain the rest of the proceedings like a stage director while operating
the PC. When she finished, she tapped the enter key. A screen lowered over the stage and displayed a
silent black screen. In the meantime, I lowered the fader slider for the BGM and microphones while
increasing the slider for the PC's audio.

I looked at the stage from the small window, and the screen transitioned to a countdown. The
numbers made a rolling film sound as it ticked down. Once it reached zero, an emotional song that was
commonly used for commercials accompanied the slideshow. With a melody that evoked tears, images
depicting the daily lives of the graduates displayed one by one.

As I indifferently watched the slideshow thinking how well done it was, it made me realize
something. This was the first time I had ever seen this video. Yet, I could feel some kind of emotion
welling up inside of me...

The question popped up in my mind, but Yuigahama whispered the answer. “It kinda feels like I've
seen this before...”

“Well, that's what happens when you use this kind of music...”

Unable to verbalize the déjà vu, Isshiki, who was apparently in charge of the creation of the
slideshow, sulked. “It's better this way. We wanted to prioritize simplicity, so it's okay to cry.”

“They might just laugh it off as a parody, though...” Yukinoshita made a hopeless smile.

Isshiki had a point, though. The video wasn't exactly put together well or had any sense of
direction. It was just a successive display of photos of the graduates or photos taken from someone's
smartphone. But the music was enough to get people emotional, which would be a guaranteed hit with
the graduates. I'm sure they'd find it difficult to put their feelings into words.

Eventually, the music faded out, and the video ended on a frame with a fancy background that
read, “Congratulations on your graduation,” and so forth.

“After the video ends, the lighting will come back on, and the MC will take the stage again.”

As I nodded to Yukinoshita's voice, I made memos of the video's duration on my schedule.

“I think I've got it mostly down now, so I should be able to handle the controls when the video
plays...”

“That would save us a lot of trouble if you could. We had someone available do it during the
technical rehearsal, but once the event begins, we might not have that luxury...”

“Hm, well, I'll probably be here for most of the night, so I can do it. Do you mind if I fiddle around
with the controls while checking a few things? I'll probably play a few songs.”

“You're free to do so until the venue opens.”

“Roger that. Is that about it for our meeting?”

I flipped through the schedule, verifying there wasn't anything else that we could've missed, and
looked up. When I did, Yukinoshita and my eyes met. Even though she was smiling with narrowed eyes,
there was just something so distant about it that I found myself looking away.

“Yes, that should be it... Thank you, and please take care of the rest. Isshiki-san, let's head to the
lighting area.”

Yukinoshita called out to Isshiki, turned, and began walking away. Isshiki went after her in a panic.

“Huh? Oh, roger. Okay, senpai, see you later.”

I lifted my hand in response and turned my chair toward the sound mixer. The hurried footsteps
behind me grew farther and farther. And then, there was the creaking noise of a chair. I looked over to
see Yuigahama was sitting next to me.

72

“Everything okay?” she asked with concern.
I shrugged. “Yeah... We should be fine.”
She then made a slight anxious face. “Oh, okay... the conversation was a little hard to follow, so I
was wondering.”
“Things will work out once we get used to it,” I said, smiling. Then, my eyes sank to my hands.
Right, I wasn't used to things yet. So, to make that happen faster, I extended my hand to the
playback button on the mixer. I raised the fader with my cold fingertip, and an unknown track, an EDM
that I had never heard before, began to play. It was the kind of modern song you'd find at any club, and
my eyebrows unknowingly formed a frown. But the more I listened to it, the more I would get used to
it.
Whether it was the usage of the mixer, the unfamiliar EDM, the grating test blows of the air horns,
or the low bass from the backside of the speakers, they were all things I would eventually get used to,
as if they were the most natural thing in the world.

XXX

The light of the setting sun peeked through the openings of the blackout curtains that hung at the
catwalk, and the intermingled strobes of spotlight and diffused reflection of the disco balls glistered.
Presumably, they were performing final checks on the lighting. It wasn't long until the venue was open.
As the sound operator, I also went through my remaining work.

“Test, test... ahh, test, test...”
I verified the connection of the stage right's wired microphone with a voice test, which the
speakers shot back at me. I looked up at the small window of the control booth in the stage to see the
person with the same responsibilities as me, Isshiki, peeking out the window. I signaled to her using my
hands to form a large circle. In return, Isshiki slightly leaned out and formed a similar shape like the
Hakutsuru circle with her arms. Such a foxy and adorable gesture...
“Hikigaya-kun.”
I turned around to see Yukinoshita approaching. She was holding a black object corded with a
microphone and an earphone, or also known as an intercom headset.
“We'll use this to call the cues.”
“Ooh, that's a little nostalgic.”
After accepting the headset from her, I inspected it. I blurted out my honest feelings having
recalled its usage back during the events of the culture festival.
Yukinoshita didn't say a word and turned. “Can you give the other one to Isshiki-san?”
“Y-Yeah.”
That marked the end of our conversation. Words were flowing right out of our mouths in the
earlier meeting, but now, there was just silence suffocating the air as we stood in the dark wing of the
stage. It wouldn't have bothered me so much if I was working on something, but once I looked at my
hand, I realized I was still holding the wired microphone.
“Oh, right, you're going to use a stand, right?” I asked when the thought came to mind. She turned
back, and she had an addled expression.
“Y-Yes, that's the plan...”
Upon her acknowledgment, I went to grab the stand that was farther in the wing. I walked back to
Yukinoshita and began setting it.
“How high should it be? About this much?”
I bent over to make the adjustments, and Yukinoshita let out an awkward sigh overhead.
“That's perfect, but... I can do this much by myself,” she whispered, angling her head downwards.
My hands stopped. As much as I wanted to do away with the awkwardness, a bitter taste filled my
mouth from self-disgust for almost sticking my nose where it didn't belong again.
“Right... sorry.” I released the stand, stood up, and took two steps back.
“No, you've got nothing to apologize for...”
“Ahh... right.”

73

In the wing shrouded in darkness, excluded from the overhead lighting, our wordless breaths were
like solids that clogged the air and made it difficult to move. Not much time had passed, yet it felt like
we had been frozen for ages. Similarly feeling the same discomfort, Yukinoshita let out a shallow sigh
and reluctantly spoke up.

“Um... if my attitude's been unpleasant in any way, I apologize.”

“Huh? Oh, no, I thought you were just acting normal...”

Her words were so abrupt, it caused me to respond strangely.

“I wasn't really sure what kind of face I should make when talking to you.”

Wow, she's something else... Of all the things she could say in this awkward mood, she went with
that...?

But that's really just like her. She wasn't exactly the type of person who could read between the
lines. Heck, she couldn't, period. Or perhaps, it might be more accurate to say she was never put in a
situation where that was necessary. At the very least, in the past year she's spent with Yuigahama and
me, I think she was starting to get the hang of it. Whether that was a good thing or not, I wasn't sure.
After all, I was someone who read between the lines too much, to the point I felt it was second-nature,
but that at times strangely left me in the same position I was initially.

Truthfully speaking, I had no idea how I was supposed to interact with her, either. And when she
made an expression that looked confused or embarrassed, and was seconds away from breaking into
tears, it only made it harder. What exactly was I supposed to say when she kept constantly adjusting her
bangs, combing the hair at her shoulder, and restlessly moving her eyes? I just didn't know.

“Oh, okay... I think you can just act like normal...?”

After such a long period of hesitation, I could only give her a lazy, unreliable answer.

“Normal... R-Right.”

She nodded as if digesting the concept, and I similarly nodded back in silence. If someone had
been watching us, it would've looked like we were pigeons embroiled in a turf war. She repeatedly
whispered “normal” to herself to regain her composure. That conversely made me calm down instead.
The corners of my mouth grew lax and enabled me to speak freely.

“Well, things are a little hectic right now, so I doubt you had the time to relax and think things
through. You'll get better at being normal in time. Not that I'd know.”

“Y-You're right. Once things settle down, I should be able to improve and be more natural at it...”

We believed this was what it meant to be normal. That's why we were trying to be normal,
because we wanted to believe this relationship wasn't abnormal.

Yukinoshita was eventually able to regain her composure after finding some sense in my words.
She lightly coughed and tried to start over.

“I wasn't trying to be mean or anything earlier... Um, it's true we're short-handed, and in that
respect, I appreciate your help, so...”

“Mm, yeah, I got it. I wasn't really thinking when I came here to help... things just turned out this
way. It's not like I can just sit around doing nothing, anyway,” I said, wryly smiling.

Yukinoshita shook her head. “I don't think that's your fault. Isshiki-san's also depending on you.”

Finally, she smiled. It's been a while, but I could even feel a bit of teasing coming from her.
Anyway, “depending on you” was a wonderful choice of words. Was this the recent trending political
correctness I had been hearing about?

“Isshiki's gotten pretty reliable lately, so we'll probably be relieved of our posts eventually. And
that means we won't be getting these kinds of jobs anymore.”

“That's debatable. I don't think she'll let you go very easily.”

“Oh boy, that's a frightening thought, very scary...”

The stiffness left my body once I was able to talk more freely, and I continued my work. I reeled in
the wire of the microphone while ensuring it didn't get entangled. Interjecting into the sliding noise of
the cord was a muffled vibration.

“Excuse me for a moment.” She took out her smartphone. After seeing the screen, she let out an
exhausted sigh. The brightness illuminated her wrinkling brow, and she looked up toward the small
window of the voice room. My eyes followed, and I could see Isshiki near the window of the control
booth clapping her hands together with a bow of her head.

74

“What's up? Did something happen?”

“It's nothing important,” she said, and left the wing in a hurry.

Wondering if something had happened, I followed after her and stuck my face out from the wing.
Below the stage, I could see Yukinoshita and Hiratsuka-sensei in a discussion. Approaching them from
behind was Yukinoshita's mother and Haruno-san.

I had a suspicious look, questioning why Hiratsuka-sensei, or rather, why the other two were here.
Then, Hiratsuka-sensei's eyes met with mine.

“Oh, Hikigaya, you were here? Sorry for interrupting your preparations.”

“Ahh, not at all...”

She gave me a casual wave. Then, Yukinoshita's mother noticed me and did a similar gesture.
“Hikigaya-kun, I'm happy to see you again.”

“Haha, hello...”

I wanted to be on my way after a quick exchange of pleasantries. Unfortunately, she beckoned me
over and had every intention of continuing the conversation. With Haruno-san staring, I had no room to
flee. I resigned myself to fate and made several sluggish steps closer, and Yukinoshita's mother
cheerfully began talking.

“I see you'll be attending the prom. I'm rather excited to see your excellent dancing.”

“Hahaha...” I let out a dry laugh.

Haruno-san gave me a dubious half-smile. “You can dance? Really?”

“I hear he's quite the dancer, enough to make me want to dance myself,” Yukinoshita's mother
jested, showing an unexpected innocent side.

“Ooh...” Haruno-san had an impressed tone, but her eyes were indifferent. As I stood there
entrapped by her connotative eyes, Yukinoshita intervened.

“I believe you're here to inspect the venue, correct? We're rather hard-pressed with our backlog,
so can you make this quick?”

“You're right.”

In response to her daughter's impatient sigh, she retracted her smile and examined the interior.
Judging by the conversation just now, she was here to assess if the prom venue was at an acceptable
standard for high school students. Isshiki was given notice, but she left the negotiations to Yukinoshita.
As the event planner, it was only natural.

“It's impressive you were able to accomplish so much in such a short amount of time. It seems your
throw-away plan to buy time is paying out in spades.” Yukinoshita's mother surveyed the walls to the
ceilings and nodded. Then, her gaze slid into my line of sight. “Considering how extravagant your initial
plan was, there's really no room for us to voice our complaints. I suspect even the most meticulous
individuals will find this up to standard... You did your research, I must say.”

“Oh no, it's not like I did anything. Everything was all because of—”

Your daughter. I wanted to finish, but when I caught glimpse of Haruno-san's narrowing eyes, as if
she was testing me, behind her, I stopped. It wasn't my place to say anything more. There wasn't any
meaning in asserting my contributions. Even worse, it could backfire.

Yukinoshita's mother tilted her head when I went quiet and waited for me to continue. I merely
looked at Yukinoshita. No matter how trivial their exchange was, she was the one who ought to confront
her mother, not me. After all, the person we were dealing with was someone who was quick to point out
the little things but was also quick to turn every one of them upside down on their heads. If I didn't
maneuver around this person carefully, I could hinder Yukinoshita.

Taking notice of the silence, or my gaze, Hiratsuka-sensei let out a chuckle. “This was all because
of the generous understanding and cooperation of the parents. Don't you agree, executive chairman?”

She took a joking tone and patted Yukinoshita on the back with a smile. Suddenly thrown into the
conversation, Yukinoshita had a bewildered look, but quickly composed herself after realizing Hiratsuka-
sensei's intention from her initially polite sentence and trailing words.

“Y-Yes. As the planner, I would like to express my gratitude.”

She expressed her appreciation and performed a beautiful bow to her mother with a formality that
was unlike the crudeness she had moments ago.

“I believe there may be some things that may not be up to standard, but as this is a joyous

75

occasion, I would be most grateful if you could watch over this event in kind. Should there be any
claims from our dear guests, I will see to it that they are all handled with the utmost urgency.”

She slowly raised her head and met her mother's eyes directly. Both her gestures and expressions
exuded a tangible feeling of reservation and tension.

“I see. I may be your mother, but it's important to maintain your dignity at times like this. I'm glad
to see you're finally showing a look befitting your position... In any case, as the director of the parents
association, I would like to proceed with my inspection.”

“By all means.”
After seeing her daughter's resolute attitude, her lips teared at the seams and formed an intrepid
smile. She quickly hid her mouth with her folding fan and cheerfully whispered like the tumbling of a
bell.
“Let's get down to business, shall we? First, I'd like to look over the closing schedule and the
procedures after the event ends...”
“Yes. This is in regards to venue security, correct? I have the documents prepared over there. May
I have you accompany me?”
Yukinoshita led the way and was followed by her mother and then Hiratsuka-sensei. After a delay
of a couple of steps, Haruno-san started after them. Upon passing me, she tapped my shoulder and
whispered into my ear. “Good job on holding yourself back... that's how things should be.”
Her gentle voice was laden with a sweetness that sent chills down my spine, but accompanying it
was a proportionally higher sense of loneliness. Not bothering to wait for a response, she continued on.
Left behind, I stood there alone. I let out a tired exhale and pushed my sight to the ceiling.

XXX

Had things been like always, I was sure I would've come up with something pretentious and stuck
my nose in where it didn't belong. But that was no longer necessary. Correction, I finally understood
that I mustn't do it anymore.

The things I could do—the things I was allowed to do—were extremely limited. In terms of the
present, there was only one thing I could do—work.

I let out a hearty breath and made my way to the control booth. I noisily climbed the narrow stairs
and opened the door.

“Good work out there.”
Isshiki was leaning against her office swivel chair and was spinning out of boredom. I took the seat
beside her in front of the PA mixer while handing her the headset in my hand.
“Yeah. Here's the headset.”
“Okay, thanksies.”
Isshiki rolled her seat over and accepted. On top of that, she leaned closer to my ear and
whispered, “Is everything okay? Did that hag say anything?”
“Ha—look here, missy...”
She looked quite young despite her age, you know, not that I knew her age or anything. She was
the mother of those two daughters, so it was only natural that she was just as beautiful. Of course, she's
outright scary, but she's got this adorable side to her too, you know? Though that just made her even
scarier.
I considered giving her a retort, but I felt it didn't even matter. Isshiki didn't seem to have a good
opinion of her after their last bout. What a coincidence! I felt the same way!
So, instead of defending her, I answered her first question. “Yukinoshita took care of it, so we're
fine.”
“Ohh,” Isshiki said indifferently, and rested her cheek in her hand with her elbow against the
table. Then, she continued with a grumble. “I guess you two won't need an interpreter anymore.”
“Huh?”
“You were talking just fine with Yukino-senpai, weren't you? Like, when we had the meeting and
earlier.” She directed her chin in the direction of the small window, apparently witness to our exchange
in the other wing.

76

“Oh... yeah, well, we don't need one if it's for work. It's really just because I'm bad at
conversations and idle talk. If anything, I'm good at business calls.”

“Uh, I'm not sure why you're so proud of that...” Isshiki shook her hands in disagreement. Then,
she placed that hand on her cheek and sighed. “Well, there are guys who think they had a conversation
just because of a business call.”

“Hey, stop it. There are guys who need excuses to even talk to girls. Don't you feel bad for them?
Stop it.” I attempted to keep her from continuing, but she wasn't listening.

“Those people are usually the ones who start calling you by your first name after they talk to you
for about three times. Then, around the fifth time, they start inviting you out. But after they confess,
they just stop talking to you.”

“Stop, stop, stop. Really, just stop. Wait, did you go to my middle school?”

“No... But that's exactly what you do, senpai. You do something like that and use it as an excuse
to...”

Isshiki looked at me apathetically, but on immediate realization of something, she jumped back.

“Oh! Don't tell me you were trying to use business calls as an excuse to get closer to me so you can
confess? I'm fine with hanging out, but you'll have to wait until this is all over if you want to do anything
more, I'm sorry.”

She then courteously bowed.

“Yeah, yeah, after this is over. Now, do your job. Otherwise, this will never end.”

“There he goes again... he's not even listening...”

You'd be crazy to actually listen to that spiel in the first place...

“It's not like I hate doing the work here, though.”

Isshiki wore her headset while fuming and opened the event schedule with exaggeration. Then,
she pulled the laptop closer and began clacking away. I went over the controls of the PA mixer while
watching her from the corner of my eye.

Suddenly, she let out a chuckle. “I'm actually pretty fond of spending our time like this...”

“Well, the backstage is fun in its own way.”

As a matter of fact, operating a mixer and wearing a headset made me feel like an assistant
director, so it was oddly fulfilling. I thrust the earphone into my ear to check its status, and Isshiki
rotated her seat toward me.

“Do you want to do it next year, too?”

“I'll be leaving next year, you know...”

This work didn't bother me as much as I thought, but continuing until graduation wasn't my idea of
fun... I had an averse smile, but Isshiki didn't.

“I didn't mean that. I was talking about the Service Club.” Isshiki had an emotive tone, wearing an
earnest look, and assumed an upright position with her hands on her lap. Her suggestion had a number
of implications, but my answer wouldn't have changed even if I thought through them all.

“You'll have to ask the president about that. I don't have jurisdiction in our activities,” I said, but
her eyes wouldn't let me end with this ambiguity. I turned away from her pressure. “Plus, the club will
be gone.”

This might've been the first time I was able to put that reality into words. Yukinoshita, Yuigahama,
and even Hiratsuka-sensei were vaguely aware of it themselves, but they had never really affirmed it up
until now. There were occasions where we casually alluded to it in playful conversations, but there had
never been a moment where we had put it in tangible terms. That's why, we could avert our eyes from
it. But now that I had finally verbalized it, it became an unavoidable truth.

“There won't be any reason for me to work.” I asserted, and could finally look back at Isshiki's
eyes. Her gaze softly turned into a sympathetic one, and her lips relaxed into an indifferent smile.

“I knew you'd say that, but it's not that big of a deal, right?”

“Wha... how is it not...?”

“I mean, you don't need a club. That's not the issue. You can still work as part of the student
council,” she said, wearing a determined grin. Then, she jokingly added. “To tell you the truth, there's
an open spot right now.”

I smiled. “Talk to Yukinoshita then. That's definitely right up her alley.”

77

“That's the plan. I also plan on inviting Yui-senpai, too. It's fine as long as everyone's in.”
“That's crazy talk. There's only one opening, right?”
Isshiki puffed her chest with a smug laugh. “That's where I'll fire the vice president.”
“That's just mean...”
He's been working so hard, too... I was going to break down in tears from the pity. No, wait, hasn't
he been hitting it off with the secretary lately? Forget the pity. Don't screw with me, do your damn job.
I knew her words were a joke, and I knew they were an unattainable dream. That's why I wouldn't
outright reject it, because it was something that should be kept as a pleasant and enjoyable topic for
later. If I didn't do that, I would end up thinking “it might not be a bad idea.” I figured I was making a
decent smile, but as I thought, it was one of the things I just wasn't good at.
She wore a faint smile and looked at me with a gentle gaze. Her expression, her hair, and her hand
on her ear made her look just like an adult. No, she was more of an adult than I could ever be.
“I honestly think it's the most realistic option, though. I mean, keeping a relationship that lets you
have fun with your cute little junior while listening to every one of her cute demands doesn't sound too
bad, right?”
It was an awfully attractive offer. Perhaps, it might've been the most ideal of all the options. My
heart wavered for an instant. As if discerning that moment, she made an alluring smile and thrust
herself from her seat.
Her beige hair swayed against my cheeks, and I could make out the smell of shampoo along with a
sweet perfume arousing my sense of smell. She placed one hand on my chair's armrest and used her
other hand to support her mouth and whispered into my ear. “I can give you an excuse if you want...?”

78

79

I instinctively pulled away, causing the rattling of the casters of my chair, and opened some
distance. Isshiki sat back in her seat.

My heart was beating, I was sweating, and I was flustered. On the other hand, she was collected,
as if she was confident nothing had happened.

If she had truly asked for my help, it's likely I would've lent her a hand, whether it was as vice
president or general affairs for the student council. But the position didn't matter, because I was willing
to lend a hand personally. This was Isshiki we were talking about, someone I treated on a similar level as
my little sister, Komachi. I knew that at least. I had a reputation for being weak when it came to my
little sister and her. If she had seriously asked, there's no doubt I'd end up helping at the end of the day
despite my complaints. That's how it had always been, and she should've been aware of this. But the
intention of her coaxing act just now was something even I could understand.

“You really are a good person...” I let out a deep breath and smiled.
Isshiki did a side peace sign and winked. “I know, right? In case you haven't noticed, I'm a pretty
convenient woman.”
Her expression and gestures were truly cute, foxy, and deliberate. With her demeanor, she did her
utmost to be there as my junior, as our Isshiki Iroha. I wasn't sure about her convenience, but at the
very least, she was a good woman. I had to give her an answer that only I would say.
“I'll do what I can to see if I can optimistically take your proposal into consideration.”
“That's the kind of answer you'd say when you're definitely not going to do something... That's just
like you, though.” Isshiki hopelessly sighed, but transitioned to an unpleasant smile. “But in case you
haven't noticed, I'm the kind of woman who's bad at giving up.”
“Yeah, that's easy to notice...”
We faced each other and smiled. Then, she looked at the clock. “Looks like it's almost time...”
Static filled the earphone of our headset, and a calm voiced followed.
“This is Yukinoshita. We'll be proceeding as scheduled, and the venue will be opened to the
guests.”
“Isshiki here, roger. Playing venue BGM.”
She made eye contact with me, and I nodded. I pressed the play button on the PA and slowly
raised the fader. No problems so far. My current job was to loop the song that served to energize the
venue while everyone was on standby.
With the entry of the guests, the interior grew noisier. If we had at least one monitor, we could
get an idea on the situation out there, but we didn't have that luxury. I leaned over the small window
and poked my face out. Expanding below me was a scenery of extravagance. The fluttering of all the
gorgeous dresses looked like cherry blossom petals from afar.
Fully bloomed flowers were beautiful precisely because they would scatter. Perhaps, because this
was the end that the sight expanding before me was so stunning.
And so, the event for our finale would begin at last.

XXX

We had a lot of back-and-forth struggles in order to reach this point, but as soon as the prom
began, we flew through the program with flying colors. The opening went well, and we progressed along
without any problems. The slideshow that was the most concerning item in the program ended without
issue. After a moment of respite, it was almost time for dancing.

Isshiki spent some time ramping up the excitement in the venue as the MC, and I played through
the music playlist in accordance to Yukinoshita's cues. The music was all queued up for the dancing
period, so there wasn't any need to do any more operation.

I leaned against my chair. I was stationed here for a fairly long time, so I did a stretch to relieve
the stiffness from my back. The chair creaked along with the satisfying cracking of my hipbone.

“Good job so far.”
I turned to the voice to see Isshiki had just returned from her MC responsibility.
“Hm, yeah, same to you out there,” I said, casually praising her.
Isshiki made a “this person sure is hopeless” face and pulled a seat next to me. “Why don't you go

80

take a break? I'll cover for you.”

I could only imagine she had heard me cracking my hips, because she was giving me some time. I
wasn't actually that tired, but I did want to go pick some flowers. I accepted her offer.

“Mm, I'll be back in a bit, then.”

“Sure thing.”

After her listless reply, I left the room. I rotated my stiff arms while removing the earphone from
my ear, and briskly descended the stairs with light steps. The successive soft, metallic taps converged
with the stomach-shaking bass of the club music. When I made it to the ground floor, the venue was
engulfed by the fervor of the crowded center. As an onlooker, it was probably safe to say the event was
booming.

Within such a dressy crowd, people in uniforms were conspicuous. I was able to see Yuigahama
sitting at the end of the long table for food and drink catering at the corner of this floor level. She
beckoned me over as soon as she noticed me and I nodded while making my way there.

“Hey there, Hikki.” Yuigahama stood up right next to me to avoid having her voice drowned out by
the explosive sounds of the speakers.

“Yeah, how's the reception going?”

“Pretty good, it's pretty late now, so I don't think anyone else is coming. We've been taking turns
going on break.”

“Makes sense, the prom's almost over.”

“Hey, I'm getting kinda hungry. You are too, right?” She began amassing sweets and other things on
the table. “You're going to eat some, right?”

I was going to tell her I wasn't hungry, but she didn't wait, and before long, a kingdom of sweets
was constructed before me. Erected at its center was the honey toast palace. I see, it was a very
delightful selection... Unlike what we had from students during the culture festival, this one was
topped off with fruits and cream and was visually-appealing. But this was bread, wasn't it? Yeah, it's
definitely bread. No matter the toppings, bread was still bread. Surely they could've put more effort
into hiding the fact that was it bread. Just look at how much bread it was. It's so bread.

“Here!”

Yuigahama let out an unexpected perky yelp that sounded like when she was distributing her
cooking and gave me a piece of the bread on a paper plate. You used your hands, huh...? Not that it's a
big deal or anything. As I was in a state of stupor, Yuigahama began eating.

“So good! The fresh cream's so good!”

As always, she's always enjoying the heck out of her food... Seeing that only made the honey toast
look even better. The one we tried last time was made by amateurs, but this time, we had one procured
through food delivery or some service called UBEReats, so it was professionally made. It clearly had to
be good...

With that belief in mind, I took a bite. Om, nom, nom. Hmm... tastes like bread...

A patchy texture spread throughout the inside of my mouth. Some time had passed since this was
put out, hadn't it...? It might've been better to eat it a lot earlier. Well, the cream and honey were
delicious, so I guess that's okay... As I gnawed at my food, Yuigahama giggled.

“You have the same face as last time.”

What did you expect? It's just bread and more bread... My eyes stated as such while the inside of
my mouth was stuffed with an absorbent sweet body of mass that had a hardness between a sponge and
gritty sand. Once I managed to swallow it down, I was finally at ease. I extended my hand out to the
table for some coffee, but in that moment, the music playing on the floor changed as did the colors of
the lighting.

The spectrum of red and green lights bounced off of the slowly spinning disco balls matching the
house music tempo, and the strobe lights rained down on the floor like a faint, burning white beam. It
looked almost like Yuigahama's smile was hidden in my flicking field of vision.

“Did you figure out what you want for your request...?”

I moved my face so I could make out her hushed words. “No... I haven't thought of anything yet.
You?”

“Um... you already did most of what I told you before, like helping out with the prom, going to
the party, and celebrating Komachi-chan's birthday... Oh, I forgot we still need to hang out.” Yuigahama

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folded her fingers one by one, but then unfolded the last finger after remembering.

“Do you want to go somewhere after finals?”

“After finals, huh...? Oh, that might actually motivate me more!”

Her shoulders sank upon hearing “finals,” but the plans for after left her happily smiling. For being
such an honest girl, I just had to give her some extra service.

“If you have any other requests, please feel free to let me know at any time.”

“Really? Maybe I'll ask for one more then,” she said, and took a delicate step away from me. Then,
with the hems of her skirt in her hands, she drew her right foot backwards, slightly bent her knees and
her waist. “May I have this dance?”

She bowed, and the bouncing bun on her hair resembled a tiny tiara. I was taken aback by the
sight. No, I was captivated.

In time, Yuigahama lifted her head. Despite looking collected, I could tell how flushed her face
was in the darkness.

“O-Or something like that, ahaha...” She fiddled with intense velocity in an attempt to hide her
embarrassment.

That freed me from my stiffness, and I made a bittersweet smile. “This isn't exactly the place for
that kind of dance...”

“I-I know, right? Ahh, god, so embarrassing...” Yuigahama fanned her face with her hands, only for
her to immediately look up at the ceiling, and fan even harder with her palms.

Good grief, she was getting too influenced by the atmosphere. Why were you letting it make you
dance instead of doing the dancing yourself? I let out a deep sigh along with a feeling of astonishment. I
really was astonished... astonished at what I was going to do.

I exhaled one more time, not in astonishment of myself, but as encouragement. I took some
distance from the catering table and twisted half of my body. Yuigahama had a puzzled look.

“May I have your hand...?” I said. I placed my left hand on my chest, bent my waist, and extended
out my right.

She gave me a blank stare for a moment, but then quickly burst into a laughter. She held her
mouth back with her fingers and teasingly looked up at me. “Even though this isn't the place for this
kind of dance?”

“You started it...”

I was merely returning the favor after her earlier act. Still this was super embarrassing. I shouldn't
have done it... When I started to feel the regret and remorse, my extended hand dropped. But before it
went all the way, Yuigahama gripped my hand.

“Let's go!”

She pulled me by the hand and made our way to the center of the floor while avoiding the waves
of people. The spotlights and the disco balls bounced from spot to spot, and the people on the dance
floor rivaled that irregularity with their bodies.

The song playing was upbeat and hip in tone. I had no idea what kind of song it was because the
genre it was a part of was broken up into so many subgenres, but I suppose there wasn't any issue
classifying it as club music. At the very least, it wasn't the kind of music male and female pairs would
dance cheek-to-cheek to.

My hand still held by her was flung all over, my body spinning in response, and I stamped in place
of a foot bellow. Surrounded by all the noise, fervor, and lights, I was jostled in all directions by the
masses, performing a messy dance that was far from what you could call stylish.

But it didn't matter how terrible I looked. Everyone here was merely content with having the time
of their lives. Whether I danced or posed like Vega, no one would care. No one would see me. Only one
person was looking at me, and that was Yuigahama.

The overhead lights flashed place to place indiscriminately and moved only to the beat of the
music, making our expressions difficult to make out. But her smile, and our connected hands were
things I could see clearly.

In the mass of extravagantly-dressed people, those who were clad in uniforms were a visual
abnormality, but no one paid any attention. They were all engrossed in the moment, and this allowed
Yuigahama and me to mingle among them. On the dance floor overflowing with people with their backs
against each other, Yuigahama and I continued to dance, occasionally moving my hand around her

82

shoulders, occasionally follow the momentum of the crowd, and occasionally turn to avoid the people.
As we showered in the booming sounds raining down on us from high overhead, our knees would

tap to the beat and our shoulders would flounder with the rhythm, and we would toss our hands up in
celebration.

Despite how much of a mess my dancing was, there was a big difference between watching and
actually doing it. It was painful exercise. I began to feel fatigued, and my eyes met with Yuigahama's.
She then burst into laughter.

“You must really hate this!”
“This kind of request is actually really painful...”
“Sorry, sorry! I won't ask for this anymore!” Her voiced mixed with the music and disappeared
together. Then, she interjected a whisper. “My next one will be the last.”
She was right next to me, within the bounds of my arms, and bumped her forehead against the tip
of my shoulder. I thought I could answer her back with my disjointed voice, but it, too, was drowned out
by the music.
In time, the music faded out and transitioned to a different song. It was slower in tempo, as if
indicating the end to the dancing. In terms of the playlist, the next song would be a high tension
standard number and that would set the stage for the finale. In other words, it was the timing for the
final chill out, and also the timing for me to return to my post
“I should get going.”
“Okay, I'll head back, too.”
Our hands went undone, it being unclear who let go first, and we both retreated backwards one
step at a time. Before long, a low frequency noise that resembled the chimes of a bell spelled the end
of this magical moment.

XXX

Soft taps echoed as I climbed the stairs to the control booth. I made my steps, not with glass
slippers or beautiful naked feet, but with my dirty and frayed indoor slippers. The magical moment was
long over as I made my return to the dusty room that appeared blanketed in ash.

What awaited Cinderella after the dissipation of the spell were her malicious stepmother and
stepsisters, but what awaited me? I opened the door with that question in mind.

“Welcome back! You're late, you know! Do you want to work? Or do you want to work? Or maybe...
work?”

What awaited me was my junior acting like a clearly upset demon wife despite displaying a
glowing foxy and cute smile that a new wife would have on my return. She played the role of a new
wife so well, yet the three choices I was given had absolutely little to do with the family household.

“Okay, I'm sorry. I'll do work...”
“You know I've been calling you over the headset, right? Well, whatever, you made it back on time,
so that's fine.” She mumbled her complaints and stood up. “Anyway, I need to get ready for my closing
speech, so please take care of the rest.”
“Will do. Good luck.”
“Sure.”
After watching her upbeat exit, I was the only one left in the room accompanied by the speaker's
heavy bass.
I used the time to refer to the event schedule. While there was some pressure, after making
adjustments as needed, we were able to proceed as scheduled toward the ending. Once Isshiki finished
her speech, it would be time for the long-awaited grand finale. I put back on the headset I took off
earlier for my break. A brief static of noise filled the earphone, and a collected voice followed.
“—Isshiki-san, are you on standby?”
Yukinoshita, who was in charge of coordinating the event, called for a status. Seconds later, a
response came.
“—Isshiki here, I arrived at the stage left. I'm ready. Removing headset.”
“—Understood. Standby for your cue from the backstage narration.”

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“—Roger. Talk to you in a bit.”

All communication over the headset went silent since then.

I leaned against my chair with my hands behind my head and looked up at the ceiling. Then, the
playing music transitioned to its next phrase. It must've been a well-known club number, because the
voices from the ground floor grew animated. The playlist marched on to its final track.

I gripped the mic of the headset clipped at my chest and pressed the button, an operation I had
already known how to do. I waited a few seconds to make sure my entire voice was picked up and
started.

“—PA reporting, this is the last number.”

“—Understood. I'll call the ending cue from the stage right. Don't miss it.”

After her response, I stuck my head out the small window. Yukinoshita was standing behind the
drapes at the stage right. I rested my chin in my hand as I watched her, and she glanced up at me. She
then slowly moved the microphone at her collar to her mouth.

“—Can you see me?”

“—Yeah, I can see you.”

“—Okay. So, where are you? In the audience?”

Yukinoshita peeked her face out onto the stage and enacted a search.

“—I'm up here. Look up. Wait, you looked at me earlier, didn't you?”

I answered her back with a deplorable tone. Then, she withdrew back into the wing, and her back
was rounded with her shoulders trembling. Her voice wasn't captured on her microphone, because she
wasn't pressing the button, but I could see she was laughing. Eventually, she looked up at the control
booth, still smiling.

“—I'm not used to looking up at you, so I couldn't help it.”

“—You're used to looking down at me? But that's okay, I'm used to being looked down at.”

“—Your subservience is certainly something to look up to. My neck and shoulders might get sore,
though.”

You're not even big enough for that to happen... I won't say what, though!

Then, she gave me a stern glare and gripped the mic at her lonely bosom.

“—Did you say something just now? I didn't catch it. Can you say it one time?”

“I didn't say anything...”

I instinctively retorted, making it possible that part of my words didn't get picked up by the
microphone. I broke into a smile when I recalled a similar conversation we once had over these
headsets. Though at the time, there were other people listening to us, so it made for an embarrassing
memory.

Now, it was just the two of us. With enough distance, equipment, and a worthless topic, we were
able to talk just like this. It's possible we could've kept on going forever. But time itself would put an
end to it for us. The seconds above the table displayed the remaining playtime of the song. Only a few
seconds left until it was time for the end.

I shifted my gaze from the monitor and stuck my face out the window again. Yukinoshita looked up
at me while bending her head slightly to the side, and wordlessly asked me if something was wrong. She
must've found it suspicious when I suddenly disappeared from the window.

I whispered, “Nothing at all” but I didn't say it into my microphone, and my lips barely even
opened, so there was no way she could have possibly heard the words.

Still curious, Yukinoshita tilted her head. I shook my head in response, and she nodded back after
looking convinced.

The stage wings were enshrouded in darkness, but when they occasionally brightened up from the
light of the disco balls, I could easily make out her fine features, innocent gestures, and beautiful smile.
The backlight of the control booth, however, must've made it somewhat hard for her to see from her
position. But thanks to that, she wouldn't be able to see the face I was making right now. There's no way
I could show her this idiotic face; I was smiling from the ridiculousness of the thought that flashed
through my head.

I'm sure the absurd thought only came to me because of how we were positioned, composed of
two segregated stage wings with one person looking up and the other looking down. Almost as if it was a

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stage play I once watched long ago.
The height of the window on the balcony was extremely different from the small window of the

control booth, and even our gender positions were the complete opposite. Our whispers were far from
what you would call affectionate, and our business talk wasn't similar in the least. That's why, the end
that awaited us would most certainly not be the same.

The thought left me smiling. Although it wouldn't be anywhere close to that happy ending, we
waited for the end to this time to come.

After calculating the remaining length of the song from the clock display, I squeezed my
microphone.

“——The song's ending momentarily.”

We couldn't avoid the time lag over the headset. Yukinoshita pressed her earphone with her
fingertips and dropped her eyes.

“——Understood.”
A brief reply followed by static, indicating that she was still pressing down the button of her mic.
Two seconds passed. Then, three. She squeezed her collar together with the microphone and softly
whispered.

“Hey, Hikigaya-kun...”
I waited, and waited, but the rest never came, only the static and her quiet breathing.

“Make sure you grant her wish, okay...?”
And then, her voice cut off. I wasn't able to see her expression.

There was a small time difference and distance between us, and the static was a one-way street.
We had a meeting over work, bounced some worthless jokes off of each other, but never touched upon
anything else. Without a doubt, this must've been the correct distance for us. And so, my answer was
already set in stone.

“——I know.”
In just a few moments, the song would end. After the final explosive sound, the remaining outro
gradually transitioned to silence. The lighting faded in conjunction, and the guests interpreted that to
be the end of the dance, and pepped up for the party of partings. Applause, whistling, and cheers filled
the ground floor.
“——Thank you. Let's end this.”

After waiting for the clamor to subside, she raised her hand to signal.
“Got it.”

I answered to myself, and not over the headset.
Once the song chosen for the ensemble on stage began, the boisterous audience grew silent. After
waiting for that, I gradually raised the fader. This made for an emotional ending.
After pressing the button on the headset, I waited a few seconds before speaking.

“—Music's playing.”
“—Understood. After the backstage narration, lower the fader when Isshiki-san arrives at her
position. I'll handle the timing.”
After the song went through one phrase, the guests settled down and waited for the ending. Then,
Yukinoshita began the backstage narration.
“Graduates, thank you all for attending the Sobu High School prom. I would like to express our
warmest congratulations on your graduation. Next, the chairman of the executive committee will
present her closing remarks.”

Together with a round of applause, Isshiki took the stage with the spotlight focusing on her. The
trail of the light eventually halted at the center.

Yukinoshita looked up at me. In the glittering space of scattering particles and within the depths
of the shadows, she quietly raised her hand. Her slender arm was brought halfway up, unsure of
whether to go higher or to go lower.

With a seemingly sad smile, she gave the signal for the end. And then, she quietly waved her hand.

And I, in accordance, gently lowered the fader, as if to draw the curtains on a play.

85

86

Interlude

The small window of the control booth was so far up from the darkness that my hand just didn't
seem like it could reach. Reaching out up toward the unreachable window towering overhead was like a
situation directly from Shakespeare.

It came to mind because the composition of this situation was exactly the same, even though our
relationship and our positions were completely different. The thought put a self-loathing smile on my
face.

Our relationship wouldn't end on such a straightforward and blissful manner. It would remain a
relationship that we would never know how to define. For me, for him, and for her.

The relationship between the three of us had no name. No matter what you called a rose, it would
still have the same sweet fragrance, and perhaps, our relationship was exactly that. Even if we were
able to give it a name, it wouldn't change. I was sure of it. It had to be.

I didn't believe those words at all, yet I swallowed them as if they were sweet poison. In that way,
I could put myself to rest.

The lighting behind him made it difficult for me to perceive his expression, but it looked as if he
was smiling.

The moment I tried to ask if anything had happened, I was interrupted by static from my
earphone. And it informed me of the end.

The time for our fun chatter was over.
This was the end.
I replied with an acknowledgment and briefly added to it. Then, I released the microphone of my
headset from my hand.
I used the microphone on its stand located in the wing of the stage behind the drapes to read out
an announcement. The closing ceremony began, and the music increased in intensity. Once the
performers took the stage, that was the end. What remained was to send the signal.
I raised my hand toward the control booth. But I didn't extend it any farther because I knew it
wouldn't reach the elevated window. With that very same hand that lost its destination and had naught
else to go, I quietly waved.

87

Chapter 5: Gallantly, Hiratsuka Shizuka walks ahead.

The prom was held according to schedule. By the time we finished cleaning up the venue, it had
gotten late. We left the vacant gymnasium and moved to the conference room of the main building.
Everyone involved in the logistics of the prom were gathering there.

It wasn't a particularly large group. It included the following: the main staff consisting of the
student council and Yukinoshita, helper grunts from various clubs, Yuigahama, Hiratsuka-sensei,
individuals from the parents association, and me.

To acknowledge the achievements of all related persons such as the performers, staff, and others,
a quick and modest celebration, more akin to a milestone celebration, was held to acknowledge their
efforts.

Everyone surrounded a long table that was loaded with easy meals and beverages. Isshiki stood at
the front and darted her eyes around the room, confirming that everyone had a paper cup. Then, she
poked Yukinoshita beside her with her elbow.

“Yukino-senpai, can you raise a toast?”

“M-Me?” Yukinoshita said in befuddlement.

Isshiki nodded while silently pressuring her to get the formalities over with. The two engaged in a
brief unspoken back-and-forth staring contest, but eventually, Yukinoshita faltered with a sigh.

“Then, I would like to take this moment to say a few things...” Her eyebrows curved against each
other, and her mouth formed a bit of a pout. Looking reluctant, she took a step forward with her paper
cup. Then, she raised her face with an invigorated smile. “We were able to successfully hold the prom
due to the support of everyone here. To the collaborators, I truly thank you for your cooperation. And I
would like to express my gratitude to the involved staff as well. Going forward, the prom will be
adopted as another tradition of Sobu High School, and I pray that we, the third years, can be sent off in
a similar fashion next year as well... Cheers.”

Her long-winded toast indicated she was in fairly high-spirits as opposed to her visible reluctance
earlier. Afterwards, everyone cheered in unison. I held my cup up at a moderate height, and my
neighbor Yuigahama extended out her cup.

“Great work today!”

“Yeah, you, too,” I said, and touched cups. The conversation, however, died from there...

Embarrassed and feeling awkward from the dance we had, I wasn't able to make eye contact with
her. I looked at her from the corner of my eye to see that she was sharing the same sentiment and was
sipping her cup while fiddling with her smartphone. Then, in recollection of something, she tapped my
shoulder.

“Oh, by the way, Orimoto-san sent me a message over LINE. She wanted to know what your plans
are.”

“Huh...? Oh.”

I had no idea what she was referring to when she asked, but seconds later, I remembered. I had
dragged Kaihin Sogo High School into my dummy prom proposal, so I could make it sound realistic. I had
one meeting with them to discuss the appeal of the plan as well as the accomplishments it would give
them, but had them on indefinite hold due to the busyness of the prom.

Shoot, I totally forgot about them...

Now that the prom had ended without incident, I needed to clean up after my dummy prom.
Specifically speaking, as the planner, I needed to apologize in prostration, or in a well-done prostration,
or in a juicy, fried prostration.

“I'll talk to her. Can you get her mailing address, number, or whatever for me?”

“Mm, roger,” she said, and immediately contacted Orimoto. A melody played from her smartphone
after receiving a correspondence within moments.

“Okay, sent.”

“Thanks...”

I checked my smartphone to see Yuigahama's mail. I began pondering how I should go about
apologizing until I realized my conversation with Yuigahama had stopped again. The fact that we were

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focused on our phones despite being right next to each other was like a miniature of modern Japan. But
regardless, even this close-range silence was starting to bother me. I couldn't think of a tasteful and
witty topic to talk about.

As I groaned, Isshiki advanced to the center of the drawing room and called for everyone's
attention by raising her hand.

“Everyone, we have light snacks prepared for you, though I'm sorry to say they're just leftovers
from catering. We'll have to throw them out if there's any remaining, so please help yourselves and then
some!” She merrily announced with a guts pose. However, that candid announcement caused everyone
to shrink back.

“No one's going to get hungry if you put it that way...”

“Ahaha... I think I'll grab something, though.” Yuigahama formed a wry smile, and hurried over to
the table. I rested my back against the wall as I watched her leave.

Well, when conversations weren't going anywhere, food or tea were helpful in filling your lonely
mouth. That way, you could have excuses like, “My mouth's full right now! That's why I can't talk!”
Cigarettes had a similar effect, because there's data indicating that 80% of smokers took a puff when it
was silent, or when they had nothing to say (self-research). These thoughts might've been the reason
why I could make out the permeating heavy smell of tar in the air.

“Good job with the prom today. I had a lot of fun watching you.” Hiratsuka-sensei approached
with the wave of her hand and looked to have finished smoking elsewhere.

“You were only watching? You should've just joined, then. It's the prom and all.”

The prom was planned for all the people who were leaving the school. I felt Hiratsuka-sensei, and
not just the students, also had the right to participate.

She shrugged. “My stage will be the farewell ceremony. I'll be the star there.”

When she acted in theatrical jest, I let out a bitter laugh. Her farewell ceremony was scheduled at
the beginning of April and was indeed a stage specifically prepared for her. Since it was classified as a
school event, we wouldn't be able to act as informally as we do now. We were one teacher and one
student, and we would merely part ways in silence. That's not to say that didn't make me lonely, but
there's no point in bringing it up. I made the same sarcastic smile that pulled one cheek upwards like I
would usually do.

“I doubt you'll get to dance during that.”

“That's true, which is a shame. I wanted to dance with you, too.” She smiled.

Something about her statement bothered me. “With you, too...” The instant I understood the
implication, ripples formed on the surface of the beverage in my cup.

“You saw us...?” I kept myself from being upset and gave her a reproachful stare. She returned an
implicating smile, and that made me realize the hidden meaning behind what she said earlier about
having fun watching me. Oh boy, I want to die.

As I held my head from the embarrassment, I could hear upbeat chatter. I lifted my head to see
Yukinoshita and Yuigahama walking together this way. Isshiki casually followed them from behind.

“Good work today,” said Yukinoshita, and she slightly raised her cup.

I nodded, and similarly raised mine. “Yeah... I'm glad everything worked out.”

“Thank you...”

We merely exchanged placid words, never touching our cups together. The liquid's surface of my
cup persisted in its stillness. An extremely peaceful period continued as Yuigahama and Isshiki similarly
expressed their gratitude with smiles for today's efforts.

With the core staff gathered here, it was only natural that the people making the rounds would
find their way to us. One of them was, of course, Yukinoshita's mother.

“It was a wonderful event.”

When she approached with Haruno-san in tow, Yukinoshita set her cup on the table, straightened
her posture, and courteously lowered her head.

“Thank you very much for your cooperation. We were able to hold the event without any
significant problems because of your guidance.”

“Not at all. I also want to thank you for listening to my sudden request.” Her mother returned
with the same formality, and bowed her head. Upon lifting their heads, they looked at each other with a
smile.

89

“You did well in managing the entire event. I'm quite impressed.”

Her mother placed her folding fan to her mouth and made a gentle smile. Her teasing tone caused
Yukinoshita to fidget in embarrassment, but after noticing the attention she was attracting from
everyone, she coughed. Well, it's a little embarrassing talking to your mom in front of everyone, after
all...

As everyone smiled and watched the mother and daughter pair with displaced warmth, a
prominent laugh with a cheery tone interjected.

“I had a lot of fun watching, too. Yep, good stuff.”

They were mere pleasantries, nothing more. But since it came from her, from Yukinoshita Haruno,
it wasn't possible to take them at face value. I frowned, sensing the unsettling presence underneath her
amicable exterior, and she jovially laughed again. She joined her family with a grin that resembled the
Cheshire Cat.

“This is the kind of thing Yukino-chan wanted to do, after all. That's your plan for the future too,
right?”

“Wanted to do...?” Yukinoshita's mother tilted her head and glanced at Haruno-san.

She sneered, and then immediately looked away. Then she muttered indifferently, “Why don't you
ask her?”

Her mother shifted her gaze from the older sister to the younger. Yukinoshita's fingers twitched, a
sign of her nervousness.

“About that... I'm interested in father's work, and I want to get involved in the future.”

Her mother placed her hand to her mouth as she listened to her daughter slowly explaining her
position, almost as if she had swallowed her words of surprise. Unable to bear her mother's fixed gaze,
Yukinoshita looked down.

“I'm aware that what I did today won't directly influence my future, and I know it won't be a
guarantee for anything, either. I'm not talking about right now, but some time in the future...” She
enunciated each of her words, and took a small breath. “But for the time being, I just want you to know
how I feel on the matter.”

She gradually lifted her face to meet her mother's eyes. After listening thoroughly, her mother
folded her fan and narrowed her eyes. “Is that truly how you feel...?”

Her tone was chilling, something that even I could tell just from observing. Her gaze was devoid of
the tenderness moments ago, almost as if she was sizing down a rival. Everyone present held their
breaths from the tension. I could physically feel the icing atmosphere. That prompted me to avert my
eyes, only for me to witness Haruno-san ogling her nails in tedium.

Yukinoshita visibly flinched for an instant from her mother's piercing glare, but eventually
mustered a nod. Her mother scrutinized her daughter's hardened expression, but suddenly broke into a
smile.

“I see... I understand. If that's truly what you want, I'll support your decision. Let's take it slow
and think things over from now on, because there's no need to rush.”

Yukinoshita nodded back to her smile. Then, her mother readjusted her posture. “It's gotten
rather late, so I should be on my way.” She sent a glance to Haruno-san, who returned her eye contact
and indicated to go on ahead. “Have a good night.”

Yukinoshita's mother bowed, and Hiratsuka-sensei accompanied her.

“I'll walk you out.”

“Oh no, here is fine.”

“Please, I insist. I'll walk you to the gates.”

“No, no, thank you for the kind gesture, but there are still many students here.”

“Thank you for your concern. At least allow me to walk you to the door.”

“Oh, my apologies, and thank you. Once again, thank you for taking care of my daughter today.”

Hiratsuka-sensei engaged Yukinoshita's mother in a courteous tug of war, both of them trying to
compromise with the other, while slowing, but surely, making way to the door.

“We should call it a night, too. Umm, attention student council members, let's send everyone
home and ensure all the doors are locked.” Isshiki clapped her hands, and the student council members
dispersed, politely expressing their gratitude to all the helpers while sending them off.

90

As for the three of us, we were assaulted by a weariness that induced a hearty sigh from us all.

“That was kinda scary...”

“No kidding... Mothernon's frightening...” I said with a substantial tone.

“What do you mean 'mothernon'...?” She made a dry laugh. That, however, dissolved the strain
atmosphere, and she smiled at Yukinoshita beside her. “Anyway, it's great things worked out. Right,
Yukinon?”

“Y-Yes, you're right... Thank you.”

Yukinoshita still had a stiff smile from her nerve-wrecking confrontation with her mother. But after
slowly mustering her words, her shoulders began to relax.

“Nee-san, thank you, too...” Yukinoshita whispered.

Haruno-san acted obtuse and tilted her head. “For?”

“For a lot of things, like putting in a word for me.” Yukinoshita chewed her words out of
embarrassment from her questioning clarification. Her sweet, but blunt manner of speech caused
Yuigahama to broadly smile.

I recalled the promise that Haruno-san made some time ago to talk to their mother for her.
Surprisingly, even she acted like an older sister sometimes.

Yet, when she was thanked, she had a blank look. If anything, she looked annoyed as she combed
her hair with her fingers. Then, she opened her mouth indifferently.

“Oh, that? That really wasn't my intention when I said I'd do that for you.”

Her voice was cold and sounded as if she had no recollection of the promise. The amicable
attitude she had earlier went through a complete transformation. She ignored our bewildered reactions,
and inclined her head to the side with her index finger on her chin. “Hmm, well, I guess mom seemed
pretty convinced? I can't say the same for everyone else, though. Right?”

Her words, contrary to her sweet smile, couldn't be construed as anything but malicious.

“Why are you asking us...?” Yuigahama gave her an audacious glare, and Yukinoshita seemingly
squeezed Yuigahama's hand out of reflex. In response to the growing hostility, I found myself tensing up.

However, Yukinoshita Haruno was unaffected by the animosity and maintained her cheerful tone.
“At the very least, I'm not convinced.”

“What...?”

The words flew out of my mouth. I was sure I had an inane look on my face. Haruno-san let out a
ridiculing laugh.

“I can't accept it.”

The voice that uttered those words was undeniably Yukinoshita Haruno's. Yet there was someone
else who was afflicted by those very same words. The doubt that had lay dormant in my chest was
something I had sought to drag by the wayside, put to rest, and leave to rot, and now, I felt it was
verbalized. The hallucination of that doubt being hit on the nose robbed me of the energy to voice my
objection.

My silence oralized more than any word ever could, and Haruno-san took that as a sign to add to
her words. “I mean, don't get me wrong. I honestly don't care what happens in the family. It's not like I
want to take over the family business or anything.”

“Then...”

Yukinoshita's attempt to respond was cut short, and what was reflected in her gaze was Haruno-
san's scornful smile. Her lips still resembling that of a smile, Haruno-san continued.

“But you know? I've been treated on the assumption I would the entire time, so you can't expect
me to suddenly be okay with it. I resigned myself to the fact since there wasn't much I could do and
settled on a compromise. Now this is happens...? Don't you think it's a bit of stretch that I'd be so readily
convinced after all that?”

Yukinoshita gritted her teeth, her expression clouded from a mix of bewilderment and grief. She
hung her head and reverted to a childish tone. “Why are you saying that now...?”

“That's my line... Why are you saying how you feel now after all this time?”

Her admonishing words, stated with a soothing and gentle tone, were drenched with melancholic
pity. Yukinoshita Haruno's expression, for the first time, cracked. In seeing that face, Yukinoshita lost
her voice. Subject to the gazes that watched with pity, Haruno-san narrowed her eyes to show her

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displeasure.

“Do you really think I can accept your decision to be even remotely equivalent to the last twenty
years of my life? You're going to have to show me something worthwhile if you seriously want me to
relinquish everything to you.”

Her words sounded composed, but the aggression in her tone wasn't subtle in the least. In contrast
to her curved lips, her eyes were overwhelming, robbing our ability to even speak. She sneered at the
abrupt silence.

“Anyway... I'm going to say hi to Shizuka-chan before going home. See you,” she said, and walked
away with light steps. Before closing the door, she waved at me and left the conference room.

Until her faint footsteps disappeared completely, we were unable to lift a finger, nor were we
even able to look at each other's faces. It's possible I was the only one with my gaze glued to the floor.
With only the three of us now present, the room felt far bigger and colder than a few moments ago.

As silence and unease began to permeate, Yukinoshita muttered. “Um, I'm sorry... for the strange
things my sister said.”

“It's nothing new. I'm used to it now.”

“Oh, that's true.” Yuigahama broadly smiled, prompting Yukinoshita to smile as well.

“I see. I'm relieved to hear you two say that.” The mood seemingly grew flaccid, but Yukinoshita
still retained a cloudy expression. “But I think she was serious today. It just means those twenty years
were that heavy.”

That was something only she could feel as someone who lived in the same space. But for an
outsider like myself, I couldn't imagine or even sympathize with the notion.

This clearly wasn't the time to sneak in a boorish joke. I could tell that much. The only thing I
could do was nod. However, Yuigahama chose differently.

She closed the distance between Yukinoshita and herself, one step at a time, and nestled by her
side.

“Yukinon, the past year for you... for us is just as heavy. I don't think it's about the length.”

Yukinoshita raised her face to her gentle voice, and my eyes were similarly fixed on Yuigahama's
poignant expression. Then, Yuigahama inhaled, puffed her chest, and formed a fist with both of her
hands.

“The year was just as weird, too!”

“What do you mean by weird...?”

I could feel the strength leaving my shoulders, and even my voice was pathetic by my standards.
Yukinoshita also looked absentminded, but gradually began to giggle. In turn, I was able to manage a
smile as well.

“Well, it was pretty weird. The Service Club was kind of insane from the beginning.”

Yukinoshita glanced at me. “Most of it was because of you, though.”

“Yep, yep. That's why, it was a lot fun... You kept doing weird stuff all the time, so there were
some sad things, some bad things, and some painful things that happened along the way, though.”

Yuigahama's gaze slightly lowered, prompting Yukinoshita and me to follow. What we looked at
were not our feet, but the trail that led us to this point. Our respective and unspoken memories
populated that path.

Someday, we would reminisce on the time we spent together, a time that lasted for almost a year.
We would laugh over it without touching upon what truly mattered, merely searching for the things that
made us nostalgic. But for now, we reflected over the memories that strangled our chests, the
experiences that agonized our hearts, and our fleeting feelings. And so, our laughter overlapped.

Yuigahama lifted her face and gave us a tender look. “But more than anything else, it was a long
year full of fun, happy, and lovable things.”

“You're right... I think I can that with confidence as well.”

“Yep.”

I retracted my jaw in response to their words. There was no need for me to say it, either. For me,
this had to have been the longest year in my life. Soon, it was going to end.

Yukinoshita slowly looked over the empty conference room. “I suppose this wraps up our last job.”

Both her whispers and wandering gaze weren't directed at us, but at various things: the long table

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for catering, the unused paper cups, the jet-black space beyond the window, the courtyard lights with
their forlorn glow, the special building enshrouded in darkness, and the wall clock that continued to tick
endlessly. In time, her gaze returned back to us.

“I think now is as good a time as any to end things once and for all, not because of what nee-san
said, but because this is the best time to do so.”

“I think I'd be okay if we could keep continuing like we always have, but if that's what you want,
Yukinon, I'm fine with it, too.”

The two's eyes misted over from their earlier transparency and were directed to me. It was as if
they were waiting for my answer. But there was no point in posing the question to me, because I never
had a say in the first place. I only started because I was forced by Hiratsuka-sensei, who was leaving at
the end of the school year. The competition we were thrown into, too, ended on my loss.

That's why, I didn't raise an objection.

“I...”

This was fine. This was correct. There's nothing wrong with this ending. I was convinced with
everything. Just like the two said, this was what we wished for, this was the proper way for things to
be, and this was our one conclusion.

In spite of all of that, I was unable to eke out another word.

My throat was lodged with my breaths and was in pain. I swallowed my moist breaths at an
attempt of hydration, only to simultaneously push my words back into my lungs. I pushed against the
back of my neck with my hand in hopes of squeezing out a word, but only my shallow sighs came out.

Both of them patiently waited. In the quiet room where our heavy breaths continuously echoed, I
gritted my teeth. And there, a busy clamor interjected from the opening of the door to which we
turned.

“Hello, everyone... Err, is something wrong?”

Isshiki returned with the student council and became startled after looking at us, perhaps sensing
the abnormal mood in the room.

I shook my head. “Nothing. Are you guys done?”

“We are. We just have this room left. Anyway, thank you for your work today.”

“All right... I'll be on my way, then.”

“Huh? We still need to clean up here...”

I hastily left the conference room without bothering to hear Isshiki's reply. But it didn't take more
than a few steps into the hallway for my strides to begin slowing.

It was already completely dark outside, and the hallway was weakly lit by the overhead
fluorescent lights. The dim space expanded before me, and I dragged my legs through it. And there,
weak footsteps approached me from behind.

“Hikigaya-kun, wait.”

Suddenly, a distressed voice stopped me in my tracks including the weak sensation of a tug at my
sleeve. I didn't have it in me to turn around, but I couldn't ignore it or shake it off. The fingertips that
gripped my sleeve to keep me from fleeing, and only the sleeve had kept me in place. I stood still, and
my lost voice turned to exhaled breaths, and I found myself gazing at the ceiling. After I was able to
release everything from my lungs, I settled down before turning half of my body around.

Standing before me was Yukinoshita Yukino. Her hair that streaked darker than the night was
disheveled, and she combed it into shape with her hands. She was a little out of breath, looking as if
she had hurried after me. She gripped the bosom of uniform to get her breathing in control and slowly
spoke.

“Um... I wanted to make sure I told you this.”

Her eyes wandered as she tried to look for her words, and eventually stopped on the windows of
the hallway. Unable to look directly at her white slender profile, I looked toward the dark window. The
light of the hallway shined against the glass and reflected the two of us. I watched her steadily through
the glass.

“Thank you for helping me today... but I don't mean just today, but for everything up until now. I'm
sorry for putting you through so much.”

“You don't need to apologize. If anything, I'm the one who put you through a lot more. Why don't
we just call it even?”

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In the glass reflection, I gave her a half-smile. When our eyes met in the reflection, she smiled.
“You're right, you really were quite the handful. Even it is, then.” She teased with a buoyant
voice. However, her expression reflected in the glass looked transient, though that may have been the
fault of the lighting.
“Thank you so much for all the times you've helped me. But... I'll be fine now. From now on, I'll do
my best to handle things better on my own.”
She strengthened the grip on my sleeve ever so slightly, and that prompted me to turn to her. The
high beams of passing cars on the road the main building faced lit the dark hallway for an instant. I
narrowed my eyes from the glare, and in that moment, I was able to catch sight of her expression that
looked to be on the verge of tears.
“That's why...”
The roar of the engines and the bluish-white lights disappeared into the distance along with her
voice. Even though I wasn't able to hear the continuation of her words, I had a rough idea of what idea
what they were.
They were the very same words that had been on a repetitive refrain in my chest ever since the
day from a few days ago when I had shut the door to the clubroom and released my fingers from the
cold knob; the words, “It's fine,” and “Let's put an end to this.”
“Yeah, I understand. Don't worry.” In truth, I really didn't understand a thing, and they were
merely words to end the conversation. “See you.”
Even though I gave her my parting words, her fingertips showed no sign of letting go of my sleeve.
It wasn't like she was gripping tightly. I could've easily shaken them off with a weak pull of my sleeve.
But her fingers appeared so delicate, I didn't have it in me to treat them in a rough manner.
That's why, using my boorish fingers, I did my utmost to be as gentle as possible as if I was
handling a broken object when I touched her fingers and gently, but surely, pulled her fingers away.
Reluctant from making physical contact with her, my fingertips trembled. Or perhaps, her fingers were
the ones that trembled from the sudden contact. But before I could confirm either, our fingers
separated.
“Bye...”
I thrust my fingers into my pockets, feeling the chill at the tips, and turned. I left the place
without looking back. But no matter how much time had passed, I could only hear the sound of one set
of footsteps echoing in the hallway.

XXX

On the second floor of the main building, the lights of the entrance to the office for visitors were
switched off. The light in the office that was visible from the left of the doorway was on, but due to its
weak intensity, the entrance was dim.

Despite the darkness, the light that poured in through the small window of the reception room
allowed me to catch sight of the woman pressing her back against the glass door. There wasn't any need
for me to guess who the stature belonged to; it was Yukinoshita Haruno.

Haruno-san looked to be passing the time by occupying herself with her smartphone. The backlight
of her screen illuminated her well-kept and beautiful features. But she gave off an impression much
colder than usual because of the apathy that filled her face.

Upon hearing my footsteps, she glanced in my direction. Because her eyes were aimed downwards
and the glare of the street lights, I wasn't able to perceive her expression, but it looked as if she was
giggling.

It was only when she stepped away from the door that I could see her face clearly. With frigid eyes
and a gloomy smile, she teasingly said, “You ran away, after all.”

My brow flinched in reaction, and I was on the verge of clicking my tongue. In seeing my distorted
expression, Haruno-san cackled.

I really couldn't deal with this person, because it felt like she could always see through my mind
and intentions. In hopes of showing some semblance of resistance, I snapped back.

“That's rich, since you're the one that called me here.”
She merely shrugged, neither denying my words or looking fazed.

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Right before she left the conference room, she deliberately hinted at where she would be while
giving an implicating glance. Any would fool would understand those signals. I really could've just
ignored her and gone straight home, but then she would've found a different way to get in touch, either
through Hayama or through Komachi. That's what she had always done in the past. To save myself the
trouble, I decided to confront her now.

At the end of the day, I couldn't ignore this person.

Her penetrating words, her dreadful tone that pricked at your throat, the glint in her eyes that
were sharp enough to freeze over, her beautiful profile that resembled her little sister, her mature and
cheerful mask, the occasional display of her innocence, and her lamentable kind smile were all things
that weighed down my mind, something I was sure she knew as well. But even though I knew I was
dancing in the palm of her hands, I still had to ask.

“Why would you say those things? Just what in the world are you trying to do?”

Irritation dyed my question, and I spat out the question that had been lurking in the pits of my
stomach.

Yukinoshita Haruno's conduct would always send ripples into my heart, or rather, our hearts. Even
when we were finally trying to put an end to things peacefully, she barged in with a rock to introduce
even more problems.

I wouldn't stand for her making things messier than they already were.

My words became sharper than I had thought, and my tone turned rough. She confronted my glare
with a collected demeanor.

“I already told you. Anything works for me, and I'm okay with one way or the other. I don't really
care about my family's situation, either. It really doesn't matter if it's Yukino-chan that succeeds the
family, or if it's me.” In hearing something she had similarly spat out earlier, I sighed. That prompted
her to look beyond the glass window. “I just want to be convinced, no matter the ending.”

Her additional words were almost a repetition of what she had just said, so they meant nothing.
But there was a lonely timbre in her voice that resembled pity.

Once again, I could no longer understand Yukinoshita Haruno.

There were times where she'd hide her good intentions behind a veil of malice and act as the
devil's advocate so she could be detested or disliked. On the other hand, there were times when she'd
talk in an extremely gentle way and show a sorrowful side to her. If this contrasting behavior was all an
act, I could only throw in the towel. Regardless of what I did, I would always be in the palm of her
hand.

“Are you saying we should show our sincerity? Are you the yakuza of feelings...?”

I let out a loud sigh in complete perplexity at her and made a ridiculing smile. Fond of my
reaction, she giggled. “I won't deny that, but... I don't think my mother's convinced, either.”

“She seemed optimistic, though?” I said, remembering her amicable smile.

Haruno-san burst into laughter, giving me an inane look. “She's not the kind of person who'd be
convinced that easily. It's why she only gave a non-answer, which basically confirmed nothing. I'm sure
Yukino-chan's aware of it, though.”

Her manner of speaking which merely demonstrated her understanding of the situation without a
yay or a nay and postponed the issue for later was just like a form of diplomacy. And it seemed
Yukinoshita must've caught on to that. It only hit me now that her tense smile and stiff shoulders were
indicative of that.

“You're not family for nothing...”

It was only because they had accumulated the time together that they were able to accurately
interpret each other's intricate feelings. Komachi and I were a testament to that.

Having known her for less than a year, I couldn't read that far. When it came to her mother and
older sister's change in expressions, gestures, and meaingful words, reading them was impossible.

I had the sentiment that there wasn't much I could do about that, but Haruno-san saw through
that and added with a laugh. “Anyone could tell if they were there. It doesn't have to be me, her older
sister, or her mother, either. I'm sure as her friends, you could tell too, right?”

“We're not close enough to be considered friends, so it's hard to say.”

“That's your answer after everything that's happened? You're the best... You really are stubborn.”
Despite her smile, her gaze was as cold as ever. Losing interest, she let out a bored sigh and opened the

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glass door. “I doubt anyone was convinced.” She made a passing remark and went outside.

I followed after her and stepped down the floor plank. But I was still wearing my indoor slippers. I
gave my footwear a bitter glare and clicked my tongue. Changing my shoes would've been too much
work, so I went outside with my indoor slippers and hurried down the stairs.

“Um, why is that?” I caught up to her after descending the stairs and asked.

She stopped and slowly turned around to me. Her black pupils that reflected the glow of the
street lights was thinly moist, and the gaze I could see directly looked as if it was in tears. “Because...
her wish is just a form of compensation.”

That single word alone made me feel my legs shake, and I found myself stumbling.

Compensation; the act of gratifying one's original desire through another goal because the initial
goal could not be achieved due to some obstructing factor. In short, it was a form of deceiving yourself
with something fake. If her wish was merely a means of deceiving herself over something, would I really
be able to acknowledge that?

I stood there speechless. She looked at me, took one step up the stairs to level her eyes with
mine, and gently whispered. “The three of you, Yukino-chan, Hikigaya-kun, and Gahama-chan, did your
best to convince yourselves, right? You tell yourselves for the sake of it, you find the right words for the
sake of it, and you avert your eyes from it...”

Stop it. Don't say anymore. I was well aware of it. But no matter how much I pleaded, she
continued further, her gaze turning into pity, and her tone turning into consoling.

“You make excuses for it, and you rationalize it... You do that to look the other way just so you
could fool yourselves, right?”

Her recitation was disinterested in any semblance of a reply from me, and I heard it all too well.
Her voice, her breaths, and her words penetrated my chest as if it as being eroded by water.

A bellow that I couldn't tell was my inhaling breaths or exhaling breaths clogged my lungs, making
me unable to use my voice.

I knew all along. I gloated with some excuse like the pride of a man, yet what I did was ultimately
no different from what I had been doing before. No, it was even worse, because I was coercing those
two into swallowing a huge lie.

I gritted the back of my teeth with a strength that could shatter them. Haruno-san gently rubbed
my cheek, moving her long and slender fingers as if she was handling a broken object.

“That's why, I told you before.” She made a faint smile, slipped her finger from my cheek, and
poked my chest. “You can't get drunk.”

“I guess so...” I said, wringing out my voice.

Haruno-san formed a smile that resembled hers and twisted in sorrow. That ephemeral smile
looked like it could even break into tears and stabbed at my chest.

Right before the stage blacked out, I looked down toward the opposing stage wing to see her wave
back with a transient smile. The pain that tormented me then was now tormenting me once again.

“If you don't end things properly, it'll fester for the rest of your life. It'll never end. I know,
because I've been deceiving myself that way for the past twenty years. I've been living a life like some
kind of imitation.”

Her repenting monologue was both fragile and fickle, and her eyes that looked into the distance
were moist. Her maturity and alluring spontaneity were nowhere to be seen, and she seemed even more
childish than me.

It felt like I was able to get a glimpse of who Yukinoshita Haruno truly was for the very first time.

Ignoring my perplexed state, she took a step back and turned her back. “Hey, Hikigaya-kun, does
something genuine really exist...?”

The night wind carried her lonely words away into the darkness. She combed her disordered hair
and walked away as if pursuing the direction of the wind. She descended the stairs and upon
approaching the school gates, she turned back and waved with a gentle smile.

I could only stand there in a daze and watch her beautiful upright figure from behind. I didn't even
have the energy to wave back. When she completely disappeared from my sight, my legs buckled and I
sank onto the stairs.

All I wanted was for Yukinoshita Yukino to make her choice, to make her decision, and to say her
words from the bottom of her heart. But if those were all just part of her wish that amounted to

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nothing more than compensation as a result of her resignation, then her answer was wrong.
Her words contained no lies, but it was the process that led to her answer that was twisted. No,

the one who twisted it was me, Hikigaya Hachiman.
I was well aware that there could only be one answer, yet I continued to avoid choosing it, I made

excuses to push it along, and I forced a twisted deception onto her through an act of fallacious
swindling.

I depended on her kindness, I indulged in her sincerity, and I pretended to be drunk on a
momentary dream, all so I could insist that it was the right answer.

Calling it wrong at this point was beyond a simple case of being presumptuous. It was a hopeless
imitation that disgraced your worth by merely existing.

XXX

As the shades of night covered the school building, I sat on the stairs inattentively, ignoring the
chilling breeze. Several cars had driven by on the road in front of me, but beyond that, nothing else had
moved. It was long past the time for students to head home, so not a single soul was in sight.

I continued sitting, unable to muster the energy to rise, and the glass door behind me opened. I
could hear the loud tapping noise of footsteps and I turned my head. I promptly received a light impact
at the top of my head.

“Hey, don't wear your slippers outside.”
I looked up to see Hiratsuka-sensei had just given me a karate chop. I rubbed my head thinking
how it had been a while since I received one, and she sighed. She then presented her chopping hand.
“I was just about to lock up. Hurry up and go get your shoes.”
It's gotten late, so I really shouldn't loiter here all day. I didn't check the time, but I knew a fair
amount of time had passed. Urged on, I finally got to my feet and brushed off the sand on my coat.
I began climbing one step at a time, and Hiratsuka-sensei crossed her arms with a sigh, making
sure I was on my way home. After making to the top, I nodded to her and entered the school building.
The lights of the office and faculty room were still on, though that mostly wasn't the case for the
hallway. It was easy to navigate through the darkness because of the glow from outside and the
emergency exit lights, but my gait was heavy. With how late it was, it had gotten fairly chilly, so I had
to hug myself to stay warm.
“Hikigaya.”
I was called from behind, and I turned to see Hiratsuka-sensei was quietly following me. On closer
inspection, she was walking in only her socks and wasn't wearing any footwear. She was prepared to
head home with her court shoes in hand. She walked alongside me, wearing a coat instead of her white
gown, and lightly patted my back to straight my back.
She smiled. “It's gotten late, so I'll take you home.”
“No, that's okay. I have my bike.”
“Now, now, don't be modest. Just leave your bike here.”
What's with her? Was she some bike spirit or something? She pushed me along in a hurry without
lending an ear to my protest. In the end, we made it to the entrance together, and then I was partly
dragged to the parking lot.
The lot was empty with only about two to three cars present. One of them was a foreign luxury
car that looked out of place for a school, and its headlights flashed on, activated by Hiratsuka-sensei's
smart key. When she walked up to her beloved car, she made furtive looks around and beckoned me
over.
“Get in quick. Like, now.”
“Right...”
I sat in the passenger's seat as she demanded and fastened my seat belt. She quickly took the
driver's seat and turned on the engine, which caused a low rumbling noise in my stomach. After pressing
the gas pedal, the car accelerated forward. I rested against the seat. It's been a while since she had
given me a ride, but the leather seat looked to be well-maintained and was comfortable. The aluminum
cover that surrounded the gearshift shined with a polish, making it clear she was taking care of her car.

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It made me think of her messy desk in the faculty's office. I was about to let out a sarcastic laugh
at the thought, but when I realized that I wouldn't see the mountain of things on there like documents,
figures, and cups of ramen anymore, I felt a little empty and looked out the window.

As we traveled from the school to my home, the orange hue of the street lights came and went.
Hiratsuka-sensei directed the car knowing where to go and hummed, which then suddenly stopped.

“First things first, good work with the prom.”

“Sure. I didn't really do much, though.”

“That's not true. You did well. I would love to celebrate over a drink, but I'm driving today.”

“I'm not old enough, though...”

She continued looking forward with a chuckle.

“Good point. Something to look forward to in three years, then.”

I choked on my voice. I could've just responded with a few words, but my mouth was left open in a
dumb way. The car stereo filled the silence with a mellow tune.

“What's wrong? Even I get hurt if you just ignore me.”

Her sulking voice snapped me out of it, and I looked over to see she was pouting.

“Oh, sorry, I was having trouble imagining it...” I tried to laugh it off.

She inclined her head and questioned me with a side glance. “You can't imagine what? Becoming
an adult? Or that we'll still be in touch after three years?”

I would become an adult eventually, even if nothing happened. But the idea of becoming an adult
was hard to swallow.

Working and having a family, to make a living was something that would work out as long you
worked hard and had some luck. It was easy to imagine. But was that grounds for being considered an
adult? I wasn't really sure. If we accounted the inhumane people out there who had nothing to show
except for their age and abused their own children, age and social positions didn't make for good
criteria for what constitutes an adult.

But well, you could live out your life without breaking laws or hurting others. Given a range of 10
to 20 years, there would be several occasions in your life where you would see a course correction. But
the mention of 3 years made it hard to picture for how realistic of a number it was.

“Well, both... If I had to pick one, then the latter.”

It's hard to imagine staying in touch with anyone considering my personality.. She sighed at my
honest response.

She decelerated the car to a stop upon hitting a red light. While stopped, she made a small
opening in the window with a power switch and used her free hand to place a cigarette in her mouth.
There was a brief sound of scraping flint, and a spark lit the interior of the car. The small flame
illuminated Hiratsuka-sensei's graceful profile for only a second.

The light eventually turned green, and the puffed smoke escaped through the opening of the
window, which in turn was replaced with the chilling night wind and her warm words.

“You don't get it, do you? People don't end their relationships that easily. Even if you don't get to
see each other every day, you'll see each other at least once every three months, like at someone's
birthday party, or when you go out for drinks.”

“Is that how it works?”

Still looking forward, she nodded and continued, “Eventually, you'll only meet once every 6 months
to once a year. You'll stop seeing other less and less, and then you'll only ever really meet during family
occasions or class reunions. And lastly, you'll stop remembering them ever again.”

“I see... Hm? Wait. Things ended pretty easily there, didn't they?”

Her slow and enunciating tone had me convinced, but no matter how I took her words, things
clearly ended a lot easier than expected. Based on what she told me, human relationships were quick to
end.

“It's only if you don't do anything.” She pushed her cigarette into the ash tray and laughed. “Do
you mind if we take a quick detour?”

“Whatever you'd like.”

I had no right to complain since I was being given a ride. She triggered her signal in response and
turned her steering wheel. I looked out the window to see where she was taking me, and we eventually

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entered the national highway and headed directly opposite from my home.
Hiratsuka-sensei hummed along with the car stereo in high spirits and pressed on the gas pedal.

The engine roared, and all of the street lights, car lights, and tail lights of nearby cars flew behind us.
Large trucks and trailers became more frequent and factories in the distant became visible. She

then decelerated and turned on her signal while turning into a facility on the left. We slowly entered a
wide parking lot and stopped near something akin to an entrance. She shifted her gear to parking,
enabled her emergency brake, and turned off the engine. We arrived at our destination.

“We're here,” she said, and got off the car.
I examined the building, and it looked to be a large-scale game center. A large green net
surrounded a portion of the roof and occasional dull but pleasant cracking noises could be heard from
there, which made it evident there was a batting center facility here.
I stood there absentmindedly and Hiratsuka-sensei motioned me over. I followed after her, who
walked with a familiar gait. Upon entering the building, all kinds of noises that belonged to a typical
game center could be heard. There were arcade cabinets, darts, ping pong, free throw, simulation golf,
and all sorts of other games; there was plenty to do here.
However, Hiratsuka-sensei paid them no attention and headed directly for the center stairs,
hurrying to the batting center above.
“Oh, we made it just on time for the time slot for metal bats.”
I looked at the information bulletin to see that the metal bats were replaced nightly for noise
prevention.
Hiratsuka-sensei quickly purchased a stack of coins, removed her jacket, and tossed it to me.
“Hold it,” she said, and folded her cuffs. She slipped past the green net and into the batting box.
After inserting the coins, she positioned herself in the right batter box, gripped her bat, and
practiced swinging. She had a good and balanced form. She then pointed her bat to the front, pulled up
her sleeve, and was ready to bat. Ohh, she's really giving off the image...

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